Tinotenda Hove – The highly contentious Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB3), widely criticised as a direct assault on democratic governance, is set to move to the Senate this afternoon for its Second Reading after sailing through the National Assembly under controversial circumstances.

CAB3 has triggered growing public outrage, with critics arguing that the proposed amendment is less about constitutional reform and more about entrenching political power at the highest level.

At the centre of the backlash is a provision that seeks to extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa beyond 2028, a move opponents say undermines constitutional term limits and weakens democratic accountability.
Political analysts and civic groups have warned that the amendment could set a dangerous precedent by allowing those in power to manipulate the Constitution for political survival.

“This is not reform; it is a calculated attempt to prolong power and silence constitutional safeguards,” critics have argued, warning that CAB3 could erode public trust in state institutions.

As the Bill heads to the Senate, pressure continues to mount on lawmakers, with many Zimbabweans closely watching whether legislators will defend the spirit of the Constitution or facilitate what opponents describe as a power consolidation project.