Tinotenda Hove- The controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill has officially become law after receiving Presidential assent and being published in the Government Gazette on Tuesday, a move that is likely to intensify debate over the country’s constitutional and democratic direction.

The enactment of the law brings to an end the legislative process for CAB 3, which had been before Parliament and the Senate for months amid public consultations and heated debate.

Critics have raised concerns that the amendments could weaken constitutional safeguards and reshape Zimbabwe’s governance framework in ways that may reduce democratic accountability.

Among the most contentious provisions is the extension of the electoral cycle from five years to seven years, a change opponents argue could delay citizens’ opportunity to hold elected leaders accountable through regular elections.

With its publication in the Government Gazette, the amendments have now become part of Zimbabwe’s supreme law. This means the new constitutional provisions will guide governance, legislation, and judicial interpretation going forward, despite continued criticism from those who opposed the changes.

The Government has maintained that the amendments are necessary constitutional reforms, while critics continue to question both the substance of the changes and the process that led to their adoption.