Secret ballot push as MPs face pressure over Mnangagwa term extension

Douglas Mwonzora, president of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, has urged the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, to ensure that voting on the highly contested Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB 3) is conducted by secret ballot.

The appeal comes as Parliament prepares for a decisive vote on the proposed constitutional changes, which critics argue could extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and significantly alter Zimbabwe's governance structure.

The Bill has triggered widespread debate among political actors, legal experts and civil society organisations, following the conclusion of the mandatory 90-day public consultation process.

In his formal submission to Parliament, Mwonzora argued that a secret ballot was necessary to protect the integrity and independence of legislators.

"Parliament stands to materially benefit from this amendment. So will the President. To make these two institutions the alpha and omega on this Bill is to bring a serious conflict of interest," he said.

He added that open voting could expose legislators to undue pressure, particularly given reports of divisions within both the ruling party and opposition ranks.

"I would like to respect the voting of Parliamentarians as a genuine opinion on the Bill during voting," Mwonzora said, adding that secret voting would better reflect MPs' individual views.

He also questioned the constitutionality of the Bill, arguing that it improperly combines provisions affecting both term limits and incumbent benefit, which he said may contravene section 328 of the Constitution.

Mwonzora further criticised proposals within CAB 3 that would introduce sweeping institutional changes, including alterations to presidential term limits and governance structures.

"If passed, the Bill will introduce sweeping structural changes to Zimbabwe's supreme law," critics have argued, including concerns over expanded executive authority and reduced electoral processes.

The MDC leader also raised concern over provisions affecting judicial appointments, particularly those that would remove public interviews and reduce oversight by the Judicial Service Commission of Zimbabwe.

He said such changes would undermine transparency and public trust in the justice system.

"It is critical for the confidence of the public that judges are subjected to public interviews. There is no need to change this at all," he said.

The Law Society of Zimbabwe has also reportedly submitted objections to Parliament, warning that some provisions may violate constitutional requirements for referendums on term-limit amendments.

CAB 3 continues to generate sharp political divisions, with reports suggesting unease even among some ruling party legislators over certain clauses, amid expectations of a heated parliamentary vote in the coming weeks.