Freedom Alliance youths condemn Constitutional Amendment hearings as 'facade'

The Freedom Alliance youth leadership has sharply criticised the ongoing parliamentary public hearings on Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, describing the process as a "facade" lacking credibility, fairness and transparency.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Freedom Alliance National Youth Leader Calvin Wiseman Dube accused lawmakers presiding over the hearings of partisanship, alleging that the process was dominated by ruling Zanu‑PF supporters.

Dube claimed that during hearings held at Nketa Hall and the Large City Hall in Bulawayo, legislators allegedly prioritised contributions from ruling party supporters, who he said repeated "rehearsed positions" aligned with Zanu‑PF's stance on extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028.

The Freedom Alliance said it supports constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression and association, and expressed concern over what it described as increasing intimidation of dissenting voices. The group alleged that individuals opposed to the proposed amendment had faced harassment, arrests and, in some cases, abductions.

"These acts are meant to silence alternative views," Dube said, condemning what he termed "terror tactics" targeting critics of the proposed changes.

The youth movement further argued that the integrity of the legislative process had been compromised, accusing authorities of deliberately creating disorder in the hearings to justify predetermined outcomes.

"The process is as important as the content," Dube said, adding that the current approach undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.

While acknowledging that constitutions may require amendments over time, the Freedom Alliance said any changes should promote economic growth and improve opportunities for young people, rather than extend political power.

The group said the proposed amendment would not address key challenges facing Zimbabwean youths — including unemployment and poverty — but would instead entrench existing leadership.

It also called for any constitutional changes to be subjected to a national referendum, arguing that citizens should have a direct say. However, Dube warned that even a referendum could be compromised under current conditions, citing allegations of organised mobilisation of supporters during the hearings.

The Freedom Alliance reiterated its support for the principle of separation of powers, accusing the executive of exerting undue influence over both the legislature and judiciary.

Opposition to Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 continues to grow among civil society groups and political actors, who argue that the Bill could expand presidential powers and alter existing term‑limit provisions.

The government has not yet responded to the latest allegations, though authorities have previously insisted that the public hearings are part of a legitimate constitutional process aimed at gathering citizens' views.