Opposition legislators cite development, stability, and future generations as reasons for backing ZANU-PF-led constitutional amendments

Harare– In a striking departure from the official opposition narrative, a growing number of CCC legislators have taken to the floor of the National Assembly to declare their full support for the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB 3), crossing the political divide on one of the most contentious debates in the country’s recent legislative history.

The wave of support from opposition lawmakers represents a significant political shift, as CCC MPs have openly broken with party orthodoxy to back amendments proposed by the ruling ZANU-PF government, including the extension of the presidential term from five to seven years and the election of the President by Parliament rather than direct popular vote.

CCC youth quota MP leads the charge

On Thursday, CCC Bulawayo Metropolitan Province youth quota representative Sikhuphukile Dube became the latest opposition legislator to voice unequivocal support for the Bill, commending Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi for bringing the proposed amendments before Parliament.

“As a young woman serving in this Parliament, I rise to support both the report and the Bill because I view these proposed reforms not merely through the lens of today’s politics, but through the eyes of future generations who will inherit the institutions we build today,” Dube told the House.

She dismissed concerns that the amendments were politically motivated, arguing instead that they reflected a genuine national desire for stronger governance.

“People who participated in the consultation process supported the Bill, reflecting a national desire for stronger, more efficient and development-oriented governance structures,” she said.

Dube also backed the proposed transfer of the voters’ roll from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General’s Office, a clause that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leadership and civil society.

More CCC legislators follow suit

Dube’s remarks followed a string of similar endorsements from across the opposition benches.

Masvingo Province proportional representative Tsungirirai Rungwave added her voice, saying the proposed amendments would allow uninterrupted progress in development while reducing the substantial costs associated with frequent elections.

Last week, CCC proportional representative legislator for Manicaland, Samantha Mureyani, broke ranks to support the Bill, particularly endorsing the proposal for Parliament to elect the President.

Hwange West MP Vusumuzi Moyo (CCC) said the return of voter registration to the Registrar-General’s Office would make it easier for prospective voters to register, countering the official opposition position that the move compromises electoral independence.

Harare proportional representation legislator Juliana Makuvire (CCC) told the House that her constituency had explicitly instructed her to back the Bill.

“The people who elected me in Harare said they were in support of Parliament electing the President and were also in favour of extending the electoral cycle from five to seven years to reduce electoral toxicity and give more time to implement development projects,” Makuvire said.

Praise for President Mnangagwa

In a further sign of the shifting political landscape, CCC Budiriro North legislator Susan Matsunga on Wednesday used her time on the floor to praise President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic for various development projects being implemented across the country.

Her remarks stood in stark contrast to the official CCC line, which has consistently criticised the government’s record on service delivery and economic management.

Implications for the opposition

The growing chorus of CCC support for CAB 3 raises serious questions about party discipline and the opposition’s ability to present a united front against the amendments.

With the Bill requiring a two-thirds majority to pass, the defection of even a handful of opposition MPs could prove decisive. The ruling ZANU-PF party already commands a substantial majority, but the cross-party support lends the Bill a broader democratic legitimacy that may blunt criticism from civil society and international observers.

Debate on CAB 3 is expected to continue today Friday as legislators contribute towards the bill.