'Zanu-PF does not fear referendum'

Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu-PF, has declared it is unafraid of a referendum as debate intensifies over the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, which has triggered widespread political and public scrutiny.

The Bill, central to the party's legislative agenda, seeks sweeping changes including extending the term of Emmerson Mnangagwa to 2030, abolishing direct presidential elections, dissolving the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and extending parliamentary terms beyond 2028.

Speaking at a meeting with party affiliates in Manicaland, Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza dismissed calls for a referendum, insisting the proposed amendments do not fundamentally alter the Constitution.

"Do you think Zanu-PF fears a referendum? As Zanu-PF, we always win and they cannot stop us," Mugadza said. "We are not violating the Constitution, so there is no need for a referendum — it is just a postponement of the election."

Zimbabwe is set to conduct public hearings on the Bill from March 30 to April 2, with the ruling party mobilising its structures to support its passage. Mugadza emphasised the importance of party affiliates in shaping the outcome of the consultations, urging unity and loyalty within party ranks.

"If you see an affiliate which does not support the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, then it is not a true Zanu-PF affiliate," he said, warning against dissent and urging members to actively campaign for support.

Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial political commissar Albert Nyakuedzwa echoed the call, stressing that party structures would play a decisive role during the consultative process.

However, the proposed amendments have ignited a national debate, with opposition parties and civil society organisations arguing that the scale and impact of the changes warrant a national referendum. Critics say altering presidential and parliamentary term limits and restructuring key democratic processes should require direct public approval.

Despite the growing calls for broader public involvement, Zanu-PF maintains that the Bill falls within Parliament's полном jurisdiction and can be passed without a referendum.

As the consultation process begins, the debate over Constitutional Amendment No. 3 is shaping up to be one of the most politically charged issues in Zimbabwe's recent history, with implications for governance, electoral processes and the country's democratic framework.