Published: 2 hours ago

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is meeting in Harare this week to finalise its official position on the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB 3), a proposal that seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term to 2030.

The proposed constitutional changes would extend the terms of office for the President, Members of Parliament and councillors from five to seven years, while also replacing Zimbabwe's direct presidential election system with a parliamentary vote for the head of State.

The Bill has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum, with critics arguing that such far-reaching amendments require a national referendum, while supporters say they are necessary for stability and governance continuity.

CCC chief whip Charles Moyo said the party would use the meetings to consolidate its stance on CAB 3, including the contentious issue of voting procedures in Parliament.

"One of the major issues we are going to discuss is secret ballot voting. By the end of this week, we are going to have a solid position as a party," he said.

The CCC holds 86 seats across the National Assembly and Senate, making it the main opposition force in Parliament.

Debate over whether MPs should vote by secret ballot has become a key flashpoint, with opposition leader Douglas Mwonzora advocating for a confidential voting process.

However, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has dismissed that possibility, insisting that voting will be conducted openly.

The issue has also exposed internal divisions within CCC, with self-styled interim leader Sengezo Tshabangu publicly expressing support for the Bill, saying he wants it to pass when it reaches Parliament.

Tshabangu's spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, said the party had proposed amendments to CAB 3, arguing that it could not be adopted in its current form.

Zanu-PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi expressed confidence that the ruling party has enough parliamentary strength to pass the Bill, citing its two-thirds majority.

Despite this numerical advantage, analysts say internal divisions and the possibility of secret voting could complicate the legislative process.

The proposed amendments have also drawn criticism from civic organisations and church bodies, including the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference, which argues the changes undermine democratic principles.

Parliament is expected to proceed with committee work before the Bill's first reading when it resumes next month.
- newsday

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