Mnangagwa tells disgruntled retired army generals that whoever wins, wins

A group of retired military generals and former senior civil servants has intensified its opposition to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), accusing President Emmerson Mnangagwa of being both the principal architect and beneficiary of the controversial proposed constitutional changes.

The allegations were made during a press conference in Harare on Tuesday by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena, who said engagements between the group and President Mnangagwa had failed to resolve concerns over the proposed amendments.

According to Muchena, two formal meetings were held with the President on May 18 and 19, 2026, during which the delegation raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposed constitutional changes on democratic governance, citizen participation and the future of the ruling party.

"Two formal meetings with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe were held on 18th and 19th of May 2026 respectively. Regrettably, the two meetings failed to produce any results," Muchena said.

He claimed that when the delegation warned of the risks posed by the proposed amendments, particularly the possible alienation of citizens from the constitutional order and growing dissatisfaction within Zanu-PF, the President responded by saying: "Whoever wins, wins."

"That response speaks for itself. It lays bare the contempt with which the constitutional concerns of citizens and members of our party are regarded at the highest level of executive authority," Muchena said.

"What became unambiguously clear from those engagements is that the welfare of the party and the wellbeing of the people are no longer the primary considerations driving this process."

He further alleged that the amendment process was being pursued primarily to advance individual political interests.

"It has therefore become clear that the President is both the principal architect and the principal beneficiary of CAB3," he said.

The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 was introduced in Parliament on Tuesday by Ziyambi Ziyambi, with legislators expected to fast-track subsequent stages of the legislative process.

The Bill has generated intense debate across Zimbabwe's political landscape, with supporters arguing that it will improve governance and institutional efficiency, while critics contend that it weakens constitutional safeguards and democratic accountability.

Among the proposed changes are provisions that would alter the process for electing future presidents and establish a separate body to undertake electoral delimitation functions currently performed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

Opponents argue that the amendments could significantly reshape Zimbabwe's constitutional framework and reduce direct public participation in key democratic processes.

Muchena also alleged that substantial financial resources had been earmarked to influence legislators ahead of parliamentary voting on the Bill.

He claimed that more than US$31 million had been set aside to secure support from members of Parliament in both the National Assembly and Senate.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and Government has not publicly responded to the specific claims.

The retired military officer maintained that Zimbabweans should view the amendment process with caution.

"We wish to put it on the record that the President has not conducted himself as a constitutionalist. Zimbabweans should not be deceived," Muchena said.

"CAB3 is a personal and political project of a cabal. Its passage serves narrow individual interests, not the national interest."

The controversy comes against the backdrop of ongoing debate within Zanu-PF and broader society over proposals that critics say could extend Mnangagwa's political influence beyond the constitutional two-term presidential limit.

Last year, President Mnangagwa publicly insisted that he remained committed to constitutionalism despite calls from some supporters for him to remain in office beyond his current term.

"I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me so that I remain constitutional," he told editors during a meeting at State House.

As Parliament begins consideration of CAB3, the political battle over the future of Zimbabwe's Constitution appears set to intensify, with both supporters and opponents positioning themselves ahead of what is likely to be one of the most contentious legislative debates in recent years.