Chamisa feels vindicated

The government has, for the first time, openly acknowledged that Zimbabwe's elections have repeatedly been overshadowed by allegations of rigging, violence and lack of transparency, issues it says have weakened public confidence and cast doubt on the legitimacy of presidential election outcomes.

The admission was made by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi while presenting the Second Reading of the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The controversial Bill seeks to extend the terms of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Parliament and local authorities by two years, effectively postponing the next harmonised elections from 2028 to 2030.

Defending the proposed amendments, Ziyambi argued that Zimbabwe's electoral cycles have become increasingly divisive and disruptive to national development.

"Each electoral cycle made them worse. First is the perennially disputed presidential elections. Every contest of the President that this nation has held since the turn of the century has been marred by relentless allegations of violence, rigging, of opacity, eroding public trust and the legitimacy of the result. This is not my characterisation alone. It is documented notably in the observer reports," said Ziyambi.

The remarks are notable because both the government and the ruling party, ZANU PF, have consistently dismissed opposition allegations of electoral manipulation and often rejected criticism from local and international observer missions.

Supporters of the amendment argue that frequent elections divert attention and resources away from development priorities. However, critics contend that CAB3 is designed to extend the tenure of current officeholders and deny citizens their constitutional right to elect leaders at regular intervals.

If approved, the Bill would extend the terms of President Mnangagwa, Members of Parliament and councillors until 2030, delaying the next national elections by two years.

Former Citizens Coalition for Change leader Nelson Chamisa said Ziyambi's comments vindicated opposition parties that have long questioned the credibility of Zimbabwe's electoral processes.

Chamisa challenged Mnangagwa's victory in the 2018 presidential election before the Constitutional Court, which ultimately upheld the result.

Responding to Ziyambi's statement, Chamisa argued that the minister had effectively confirmed concerns repeatedly raised by the opposition over the years.

"If you ever find yourself doubting that the people of Zimbabwe decisively defeated ZANU-PF, listen carefully to Ziyambi's CAB3 Second Reading address to Parliament.

"His words speak for themselves. We defeated them comprehensively and conclusively. And we will defeat them again anytime and anyhow. The matter is settled," said Chamisa.

The debate over CAB3 has become one of the most contentious political issues in Zimbabwe, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties, civil society organisations and constitutional experts. Critics argue that extending the terms of elected officials without seeking a fresh mandate from voters would undermine constitutional principles and democratic accountability.

As Parliament continues deliberations on the proposed amendments, the Bill is expected to remain at the centre of national political debate, with both supporters and opponents framing it as a defining moment for Zimbabwe's constitutional and democratic future.