Ziyambi defends show-of-hands vote for CAB 3

Zanu-PF legal secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi has reaffirmed that voting on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3) in Parliament will be conducted through a show of hands, arguing that the process enhances transparency and accountability among Members of Parliament.

CAB 3, which is set to be introduced in Parliament tomorrow, proposes sweeping constitutional changes, including extending the terms of the President, Members of Parliament and councillors from five to seven years. If passed, the amendments would effectively extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure by two years, taking it to 2030.

The Bill further proposes a major shift in the electoral system by allowing Parliament to elect the President, replacing the current one-person, one-vote system. The proposals have sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and constitutional law experts, who argue that such fundamental changes require approval through a national referendum.

Speaking at a Zanu-PF provincial coordinating committee meeting in Chinhoyi on Saturday, Ziyambi defended the use of open voting in Parliament, saying it would prevent corruption and ensure MPs are publicly accountable for their decisions.

"We want our Zanu-PF candidates to be voted for. So, if they come fooling you that a secret ballot is the best because MPs will be bribed, refuse, because it will be public voting and transparent," he said.

In comments that appeared to acknowledge concerns over inducements, Ziyambi urged party supporters to remain politically loyal even if they were approached with money.

"But if they come with money, take it, but know who to support," he added.

Ziyambi also commended Mashonaland West province for what he described as strong mobilisation and participation in consultations on the constitutional amendments, saying the province recorded high attendance at public hearings and submitted the highest number of written submissions.

The constitutional reform process has become one of the most divisive political issues in recent years, with critics warning that it risks altering core democratic principles without direct public approval.

Meanwhile, self-styled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has defended Zimbabwe's constitutional amendment process, arguing that it is comparatively more consultative than those of other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

Tshabangu said several regional states do not require extended consultation periods or referendums when amending their constitutions, instead relying on Cabinet approval, parliamentary debate and presidential assent.

He, however, noted that Zimbabwe's process includes a mandatory 90-day consultation period and requires a referendum for amendments affecting key constitutional provisions such as the Bill of Rights, land provisions and presidential term limits.

According to Tshabangu, this framework demonstrates a higher level of democratic engagement compared to some regional counterparts.

"My submission rests on the fact that we are a bit more democratic here in Zimbabwe than most other Sadc member States when it comes to issues related to constitutional amendments," he said.

As parliamentary debate on CAB 3 approaches, the Bill is expected to intensify political tensions between ruling party structures, opposition formations and civil society organisations over the future direction of Zimbabwe's constitutional order.