Shurugwi — An opposition councillor in Shurugwi has publicly declared his support for the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), citing advantages including reduced vote rigging, timely results, and the need for term extensions to complete development projects.

Ward 4 Councillor O’Brien Mavhenyengwa, an opposition representative, told this reporter that the bill offers practical benefits for Zimbabweans despite widespread rejection of the measure by most opposition parties and civil society groups.

Mavhenyengwa came under fire over his stance in a whatsapp group where other opposition supporters queried his allegiance noting that he was hosted supporting CAB3 on national radio, 98.4FM.

Background: Opposition rejection vs. public support

CAB3 has been opposed by opposition formations, including the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and civic organisations, who argue that provisions such as extending the presidential term from five to seven years and creating a runoff-only presidential election system undermine democratic checks and balances.

However, public consultations held nationally by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs saw the majority of attendees expressing support for the bill, according to official reports. Government officials have cited those consultations as evidence of public backing for the amendments.

Mavhenyengwa said his support is based on practical governance considerations rather than party lines.

“Vote rigging is narrowed as only a few people will vote for the president,” he said, explaining that under CAB3’s proposed changes, the presidential election would be decided by a single-round plurality vote rather than a two-round runoff. He argued this reduces opportunities for manipulation.

On the issue of electoral disputes, the councillor said: “The MPs, if there are disgruntlements, can have the process done again without wasting resources. Chances of rigging are minimal.”

He also noted that results would be announced timeously under the new system, and that resources saved from avoiding costly runoff elections could be redirected elsewhere.

“It is really an advantage for the people of Zimbabwe because resources are saved and used elsewhere,” Mavhenyengwa said.

Addressing the extension of the presidential term from five to seven years — one of the most contested elements of CAB3 — the councillor defended the change.

“Term extension is an advantage as those elected are allowed time to finish their projects. On a personal level, there are projects that I started in 2018 and need to finish.”

He added that longer intervals between elections could help reduce political tensions. “It also allows people to cool down their tempers which would have flared during elections.”

Mavhenyengwa previously appeared on 98.4 FM, a commercial radio station, where he voiced his support for CAB3. When asked by this reporter whether his colleagues in the opposition had confronted him over his stance, he acknowledged that they had asked him, and he reaffirmed his position.

“I told them the reasons why I support CAB3,” he said.