Tinotenda Hove – The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has issued a firm rebuke of the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026, cautioning that it could erode the democratic authority of citizens.

In a pastoral letter released on Thursday, 19 March, the Roman Catholic bishops called on legislators to oppose the bill, appealing to their moral conscience. The statement, endorsed by all seven bishops in the country, emphasised the significance of the national Constitution.

“Our Constitution is more than law; it is a solemn covenant, born from the overwhelming will of Zimbabweans in 2013, embodying our collective hopes for justice, unity, peace, and prosperity,” the bishops said.

They raised concern that removing direct presidential elections would strip citizens of their right to choose their leader, effectively shifting power away from the electorate. The bishops also criticised proposals to extend both parliamentary and presidential terms from five to seven years without seeking a fresh mandate from voters.

Such changes, they argued, “undermine democratic legitimacy,” while bypassing the referendum requirement outlined in Section 328(7) of the Constitution creates “a glaring contradiction” that risks weakening constitutional governance.

The church leaders further warned that the bill could compromise the independence of key state institutions. They highlighted fears that the judiciary, prosecuting authorities, and electoral bodies may become subject to political influence.

Particular concern was expressed over provisions that would grant the president expanded authority in appointing judges and the Prosecutor General, as well as shifting responsibilities such as voter registration and constituency delimitation away from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. The bishops also cautioned against clauses that may allow traditional leaders to engage in partisan politics.

Addressing Members of Parliament and senators directly, the bishops urged them to act with integrity and resist undue pressure when voting on the bill.
“To our Honourable Members of Parliament and Senators, we speak with deep respect and fraternal concern,” the letter reads.

“You bear a sacred duty before God and the nation: to govern for the common good, not personal or partisan gain. Pressures—be they bribes, threats, or promises—may tempt you…”
They added, “Chokwadi chinokunda/ iqiniso liyanqoba—truth prevails. Let conscience guide you: reject any change that silences the people. History will judge whether you safeguarded their voice or betrayed it.”

The bishops stressed that any constitutional amendments of such magnitude should ultimately be decided by citizens themselves through a transparent and inclusive process.
“If these amendments genuinely serve the nation’s welfare, let the people affirm them,” the statement said. “Matters of such gravity demand transparency, wide consultation, and, where required, a referendum—honouring the Constitution’s own protections.”

They concluded by underscoring that national governance must reflect the collective will of the people, not unilateral decisions.
“The common good is not imposed from above; it emerges when all contribute, in solidarity and subsidiarity. The Constitution belongs to every Zimbabwean; it must remain in their hands.”