Published: 7 hours ago

The Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement (Zicomo) has raised serious concerns over the findings of Parliament's joint portfolio committees on the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB3), alleging that the public consultation process contains significant statistical anomalies and fails to adequately reflect dissenting views.

The concerns follow the release of a parliamentary report indicating that 540,037 written submissions were received during consultations on the proposed constitutional amendments, with the overwhelming majority reportedly supporting the Bill.

According to the report, only 54,231 people attended physical public hearings conducted across the country, while written submissions reached more than half a million.

Zicomo questioned the disparity between the number of physical participants and the volume of written responses, calling for greater transparency regarding the verification process used to compile the figures.

"Without transparent verification and independent scrutiny, these figures are unverified and cannot be used to manufacture public consent for constitutional change," the organisation said in a statement.

The group called for an independent audit of the consultation process, arguing that public participation in constitutional reform should be conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence.

"The Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement rejects the 22-page report of the Joint Portfolio and Thematic Committees on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026," the organisation said.

"Public consultation is a constitutional obligation, not a mere public relations exercise to legitimise political expediency."

Zicomo also pointed to provincial statistics contained in the report, noting that some provinces reportedly recorded thousands of submissions supporting the Bill without any recorded opposition.

The organisation contrasted those figures with email submissions, which reportedly showed a higher proportion of opposition responses.

According to Zicomo, these patterns warrant further scrutiny to ensure that the consultation results accurately reflect public opinion.

The group further criticised recommendations contained in the report supporting constitutional amendments that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years.

Particular concern was expressed regarding recommendations that the changes should apply to the incumbent office-holder, with Zicomo arguing that such proposals may conflict with constitutional provisions governing term limits.

The organisation also objected to proposals affecting Zimbabwe's electoral framework, including provisions relating to voter registration and the election of the President.

"These proposals undermine constitutional democracy, electoral independence and democratic accountability," Zicomo said.

The constitutional amendments have become one of the most debated political issues in Zimbabwe, attracting support from those who argue that the changes could improve governance efficiency and reduce election-related costs, while critics contend that they could weaken democratic safeguards and alter key constitutional principles.

Meanwhile, controversy surrounding the Bill intensified following claims by retired military officers that concerns had been raised over the consultation process and the proposed amendments.

Retired Air Vice-Marshal Henry Muchena recently indicated that former senior security officials had engaged President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the matter.

Muchena is reported to be among former military figures who have publicly expressed reservations about the proposed constitutional changes.

Parliament continues to debate CAB3 amid growing political and public interest, with supporters and opponents presenting sharply contrasting views on the implications of the proposed amendments for Zimbabwe's constitutional order and democratic future.
- newsday