Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill die is cast

Zimbabweans will have a four-day window to participate in public hearings on the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill, with Parliament of Zimbabwe announcing that the consultations will run from March 30 to April 2 across the country.

The hearings form part of a constitutionally required process allowing citizens to present their views before the Bill is debated by lawmakers.

The proposed amendment contains far-reaching provisions that seek to reshape the country's governance structure and electoral framework. Among the key proposals are changes aimed at aligning election cycles with Zimbabwe's long-term developmental and economic goals.

During the hearings, members of the public will be able to submit written submissions through special desks that will be set up at consultation venues. Currently, submissions are also being accepted through Parliament's official email address.

The 90-day period for consultations and public hearings began on February 17 after the Bill was formally gazetted.

In a statement, Parliament of Zimbabwe said the consultations must be conducted before the legislation can be presented to either chamber of Parliament.

"A Constitutional Bill may not be presented in the Senate or the National Assembly in terms of Section 131 unless the Speaker has given at least 90 days' notice in the Gazette of the precise terms of the Bill," the statement read.

It further stated that once such notice is issued, Parliament must invite citizens to share their views through public meetings and written submissions as part of promoting participatory democracy.

"In compliance with the above and as part of enhancing participatory democracy, Parliament will be conducting public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026) from March 30 to April 2," the statement added.

After the consultations, relevant parliamentary committees will compile reports incorporating public input before the Bill is formally introduced in the National Assembly of Zimbabwe for debate and consideration.

To further facilitate public participation, Parliament has also established a submission deposit box at the old Parliament building in Harare's central business district.

Key proposals

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill proposes major changes to the country's electoral system and governance framework.

One of the most significant provisions is the introduction of a parliamentary process for electing the President, replacing the current system in which the Head of State is elected through a direct vote under the first-past-the-post electoral system.

The Bill also proposes extending the presidential term from the current five years to seven years.

Under Clause 3, a presidential candidate would be required to secure an absolute majority of votes. If no candidate obtains more than 50 percent of the vote, a run-off election would be conducted.

The process would be overseen by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to ensure proper administration of the election.

Another notable proposal is the transfer of responsibility for voter registration, as well as the compilation and maintenance of the voters' roll, from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Registrar-General's Office. Proponents argue the move would improve efficiency since the Registrar-General already serves as custodian of national identity records.

The Bill also introduces several legal reforms aimed at strengthening constitutional governance, clarifying the roles of key institutions, promoting political stability and improving the efficiency of the State architecture.

Consultation venues

Parliament has released a detailed schedule of hearings across the country to allow citizens to participate.

In Harare province, consultations will be held on March 30 at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Centre, followed by hearings at the Epworth Local Board and Harare City Centre on March 31.

Residents in Bulawayo will attend their public hearing at the City Hall on March 30.

Across other provinces, hearings will be conducted at designated community halls, schools and business centres in districts including Gokwe, Kwekwe, Zvishavane, Gwanda, Tsholotsho, Hwange, Chiredzi, Mutare and Bindura.

The consultations are expected to cover all provinces, ensuring nationwide participation in shaping the proposed constitutional changes.

Officials say the exercise is intended to gather public input before lawmakers deliberate on the Bill, which could significantly alter Zimbabwe's political and electoral landscape if enacted.