Tinotenda Hove – Citizens leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has praised Masvingo Urban MP Martin Mureri for refusing to support the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), describing the proposed changes as unconstitutional and self-serving.

In a statement issued on Friday, Chamisa commended Mureri for what he said was a principled stand in defence of citizens and the Constitution.

“AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL ACT… Great point made here by MP Mureri. This is the fundamental flaw with CAB3, incumbents seeking to extend their own term of office. A gross illegality and brazen unconstitutionality. A classic case of conflict of interest, and unjust enrichment that unjustly benefits those promoting it. Even if they illegally pass it by hook or crook and without a referendum, it will be rejected by Zimbabweans. It simply cannot stand,” said Chamisa.

The remarks came after Mureri openly opposed the Bill during parliamentary debate on Thursday, arguing that elected representatives could not legitimately extend their mandates without consulting the electorate.

“This whole process is disturbing, how can we get a mandate to continue serving when the people who voted for us are not being given space to decide. We get the mandate from the people. A lizard can’t donate fur if it doesn’t have fur itself. Therefore this is a chaotic process and for this reason I can’t support the bill,” Mureri said.

The Constitutional Amendment Bill has generated heated debate, with critics arguing that it seeks to alter key constitutional provisions without securing the direct approval of Zimbabwean citizens through a referendum. Supporters, however, maintain that the proposed amendments are necessary for governance and institutional continuity.

Mureri’s stance has won praise from opposition figures and constitutional advocates who contend that any attempt to extend the tenure of public office holders without broad public consultation undermines democratic principles.