Foreign-funded ZCC warn CAB3 entrenches corruption

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has strongly opposed the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (2026), warning that its provisions could weaken democratic institutions, concentrate executive authority, and derail national progress.

In a statement issued on Monday, 13 April 2026, the ZCC urged lawmakers to either withdraw the Bill or subject it to significant revisions, arguing that its current form poses serious risks to governance and accountability in the country.

The council, which is supported by a network of international ecumenical and development partners including Christian Aid, Norwegian Church Aid, World Council of Churches, USAID, Felm and Brot für die Welt, said sustainable development depends on strong institutions rather than prolonged political incumbency.

According to the ZCC, the proposed amendments risk entrenching elite interests while weakening critical accountability mechanisms necessary for effective governance and public service delivery. The council further cautioned that undermining transparency systems could open the door to increased corruption and the unchecked accumulation of wealth by those in power.

"On moral, ethical, and theological grounds, the Church cannot support an amendment that compromises public trust, weakens democratic accountability, and diverges from God's will for just and compassionate leadership. It is morally indefensible before God for leaders to silence the people's voices in this manner," the statement reads.

Among the key changes proposed in the Bill is a shift from the direct election of the President by popular vote to an indirect system where the Head of State would be elected by a joint sitting of Parliament — comprising both the Senate and the National Assembly — requiring a simple majority of more than 50% of Members of Parliament.

The Bill also proposes extending the term of office for the President, Parliament, and local authorities from five to seven years, effectively lengthening the tenure of both current and future officeholders.

Additionally, it seeks to increase the number of Senators from 80 to 90, with 10 additional members to be appointed by the President based on professional skills and expertise.

The ZCC said these measures, taken together, risk reversing democratic gains and called for a broader, more inclusive national dialogue on constitutional reforms.