Madhuku calls for 'massive protests'

Opposition leader and constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku has pledged to mobilise Zimbabweans into "massive protests" against the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill, 2026, describing the changes as sweeping and detrimental to the nation's democratic framework.

Speaking on the Citizens Voice Network last week, Madhuku said his party, the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), would pursue both political and physical action in response to the Bill, which seeks to alter the method of electing the President and extend terms of office.

"We will have to come out as NCA to condemn this and then we will have to support that coming out with physical acts," Madhuku said. He added that the party would hold nationwide meetings to mobilise citizens and encourage them to oppose the proposals.

Madhuku indicated that street protests were among the options under consideration. "Physical acts would require us to make noise, speak out and to have meetings around the country and try to mobilise people to just be angry against that. What they do with that anger, we just leave it to them," he said, referencing past demonstrations organised by the NCA in 2000, 2003, and 2007.

He emphasised his readiness to lead by example, stating, "You should expect to see me again in the streets. I'm able to do that and I will lead members of my party and I will join others who will be doing that."

The Amendment Bill, recently approved by Cabinet, proposes repealing Section 92 of the Constitution, which currently provides for the direct election of the President by voters, replacing it with a system in which the President is elected by Members of Parliament sitting jointly. The Bill also seeks to extend the term of office for the President, Vice Presidents, and Parliament from five to seven years, applying these changes to current officeholders.

Government has defended the amendments, saying they will strengthen governance, improve stability, and enhance institutional efficiency.

However, critics argue that the Bill undermines the 2013 Constitution's term-limit safeguards. Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart warned that amendments benefiting incumbents would require a referendum under Sections 382(7) and 328(9).

"The central constitutional issue therefore is not so much whether a President is directly elected or elected by Parliament, but whether these sections can be amended without a referendum," Coltart said. "No matter what semantic gymnastics are employed, a referendum is mandatory."

The Amendment Bill is expected to be tabled before Parliament for debate and possible public consultation as part of the legislative process, setting the stage for heightened political tensions in Zimbabwe.