Harare – Zanu PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi has warned that ruling party legislators who failed to participate in the crucial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) vote will be required to explain their absence to the party, with possible disciplinary action looming if their reasons are found unsatisfactory.

Togarepi confirmed that the party is investigating the circumstances surrounding the absenteeism, with several MPs already offering apologies. “Majority have been apologizing but they apologize to the chief whip who is not a party structure,” he said, explaining that his role is to transmit information to the party leadership for a final decision.

“If anyone did anything that was never expected or untoward, they will have some explanation to do to the party. If their explanations are genuine, the party will allow their reasons to prevail. But if they are found to have deliberately done so, then the party’s rules and regulations will then be applied,” Togarepi said.

At least 14 Zanu PF Members of Parliament, including Cabinet ministers, did not participate in the National Assembly vote on 18 June 2026. Among those absent were Skills Audit and Development Minister Jenfan Muswere and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera. The Bill nevertheless passed with 216 votes in favour against 42 opposed, comfortably surpassing the 187 votes required for a two-thirds majority.

Togarepi emphasised that all party members understand their obligations in Parliament. “These are members of the party, majority of them very senior members of the party. But they know their responsibilities in circumstances like being in parliament, what are their duties and obligations,” he said.

The chief whip plays a central role in coordinating government business and maintaining party discipline in the National Assembly. Under Zanu PF’s strict whipping system, MPs are expected to adhere to the party’s position during debates and votes without deviation. Togarepi has previously described MPs as “agents for the party” and warned that there was “no reason to anticipate absenteeism”.

“Every member of the party has a duty to defend the party in its positions. So, if parliament is one such area where policies and aspirations of the party are supposed to be defended or supported, and a member for some reasons fails to do that, then the member must explain,” Togarepi said.

The party has previously warned that constitutional provisions exist to recall lawmakers who fail to vote in line with the party’s position. However, Togarepi noted that genuine excuses—such as official government business or illness—would be considered. Manicaland provincial leadership has already moved to absolve Muswere, stating he was on official government business during the vote.

Togarepi stressed that the party would judge each case on its merits. “The party can judge. They can just say, you didn’t attend, so it’s nothing. Otherwise that would be a bad precedent. We expect every member of the party to be responsible for their actions so they have to explain,” he said.

The CAB3 Bill sailed through the Senate yesterday with 75 votes in favour and only 4 opposed, securing the required two-thirds majority. The Bill now awaits presidential assent to become law.