Zanu-PF allegedly mobilises 45,000 CAB3 submissions

The ruling party Zanu-PF is reportedly planning to submit more than 45,000 written submissions in support of the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, according to leaked internal communications.

Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa is said to have instructed members of the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC), District Coordinating Committee (DCC), Members of Parliament, councillors and traditional leaders to meet the submission target by Thursday.

The directive, contained in a message circulated within party structures, outlines quotas for each level of leadership, including 100 submissions per PCC member, 50 per DCC member, and at least 5,000 copies per Member of Parliament.

The Bill, which is currently before Parliament, has sparked widespread debate due to its proposed constitutional changes, including provisions linked to extending presidential and parliamentary terms.

Critics argue that the amendments could pave the way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit, potentially extending his tenure beyond 2028 to 2030.

The leaked message instructs party structures to coordinate closely with traditional leaders and use a standard template for submissions.

"Our people can use ordinary paper or use attached template," the message reads.

If fully implemented, Mashonaland West province alone could account for over 45,000 submissions, based on its nine Zanu-PF-held constituencies and the outlined quotas.

The submission drive follows public hearings on the Bill, which concluded two weeks ago amid controversy. Written submissions will continue to be received until May 17, 2026.

Civil society organisations and opposition groups have previously accused the public consultation process of being heavily tilted in favour of pro-amendment voices, alleging restricted participation and procedural bias during hearings.

They argue that the process failed to provide equal opportunity for dissenting views, raising concerns about the integrity of the constitutional reform exercise.

The developments add to growing political tension surrounding the proposed constitutional changes, which remain one of the most hotly debated legislative initiatives currently before Parliament.