Thousands gather at Chakari as party appreciates grassroots support for Constitutional Amendment No. 3

Chakari– Thousands of ZANU PF supporters converged at Chakari Grounds in Mashonaland West this weekend as the ruling party rolled out “CAB3 Thank You Rallies” across all 10 provinces to acknowledge the grassroots campaign that propelled the contentious Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 into law.

The nationwide events mark the party’s effort to recognize members who mobilized support for the amendment, which extends President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office by two years to 2030.

Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson, Mary Mliswa addressed the boisterous crowd, expressing gratitude to supporters who travelled from as far as Manhize to Chikapakapa for the rally.

“ZANU PF is holding ‘Thank You Rallies’ countrywide to recognize and appreciate your positive contributions towards CAB3,” Mliswa told the gathering.

The provincial chairperson revealed that the push to amend the Constitution originated at the party’s 21st Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo in October 2024, where delegates formally requested the government to extend the President’s tenure.

“In Mashonaland West, CAB3 was well received from Siakobvu to Manhize-Chikapakapa. We are saying thank you,” she said.

Mliswa attributed the success of the mobilization efforts to party unity, stating:

“Mashonaland West has made us proud not because we are clever, but only because of the unity that prevails in our province as a party.”

She emphasized that the government acted swiftly on the party’s request.

“As a party, we requested that government come up with a law that would extend President Mnangagwa’s term by two years. The government did not waste time and immediately worked on the request, resulting in CAB3. That is how the law came into being,” she explained, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has sparked intense debate across Zimbabwe since it was signed into law earlier this year.

While ZANU PF maintains the amendment ensures policy continuity and political stability, critics argue it undermines constitutional democracy and sets a concerning precedent.

The legislation effectively delays the next presidential election, which was scheduled for 2028, pushing it to 2030. This marks the second constitutional amendment under the Second Republic that alters electoral timelines.

Party leaders at the Chakari event urged members to maintain unity and continue supporting government programs.

“ZANU PF is pleased that the loyal government responded positively to the request to amend the Constitution,” Mliswa said.

Speaking at the same event, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said CAB3 had demonstrated unity among Zimbabweans.

“Our input during the public hearings demonstrated the path that we are taking as a nation. Today’s rally symbolises our unity as a party. We showed everyone that we want peace,” said Ziyambi.

The rallies, which are being held at cell, branch, district, and provincial levels, are designed to mobilize continued support for the party’s vision and government initiatives aimed at economic development and service delivery.

Senior party leadership from across the province attended the Chakari gathering, which underscored the high-level importance placed on maintaining momentum ahead of the extended electoral cycle.

The nationwide rallies are expected to continue across all provinces as the party consolidates support for the constitutional changes.

With the next general election now set for 2030, ZANU PF is working to maintain grassroots enthusiasm and cohesion within its structures over the extended period.

The “Thank You Rallies” represent a strategic effort to sustain political momentum following the successful passage of the amendment, ensuring that party cadres remain mobilized for the long road ahead.