Zanu PF softens stance on controversial Constitutional Amendments?

The ruling Zanu PF party is reportedly considering concessions on the contentious Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3), a development that could see significant changes to some of the legislation's most controversial provisions, including proposals affecting the election of Zimbabwe's President.

The Bill seeks to amend the 2013 Constitution by extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure by two years, extending the life of Parliament, increasing the national electoral cycle from five to seven years, and transferring the power to elect the President from voters to Parliament.

The proposed amendments have generated intense political debate and exposed divisions within both the ruling party and the opposition.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said discussions took place on Wednesday between senior Zanu PF officials and Sengezo Tshabangu ahead of an anticipated vote in the National Assembly.

The vote, initially expected this week, has reportedly been postponed until next week to allow further engagement on outstanding issues.

According to sources, the negotiations resulted in agreement to remove Clause 18 of the Bill, which sought to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission.

One source said the parties had reached consensus on the issue following public opposition to the proposed dissolution of the commission.

The reported agreement was echoed by Chalton Hwende, who stated that the Gender Commission would remain intact under the Constitution.

"The Gender Commission will now remain as it is in the Constitution, following strong public opposition to the amendment," Hwende said.

"I had submitted an amendment, which is on the Order Paper, against the disbandment of the commission. This issue is now settled."

Sources also indicated that negotiators discussed changes to Clause 3, which deals with the election of the President.

Under proposals reportedly advanced by Tshabangu's faction, parliamentary candidates would declare their preferred presidential candidate when filing nomination papers with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

The proposal further suggests that a presidential candidate would need to secure more than 50 percent of parliamentary votes to be elected.

Negotiators are also said to have agreed to slow the legislative process to create room for further consultations and possible compromises on unresolved provisions.

Tshabangu's spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, confirmed that discussions were taking place and described them as constructive.

"We are actively engaged in getting meaningful concessions from Zanu PF," Mlilo said.

"The discussions have been frank, cordial and respectful."

He praised Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi for engaging with the opposition's concerns.

"Where we have persuaded him and he has found our input reasonable, he has so far made concessions," Mlilo said.

He added that ongoing negotiations reflected a broader effort to achieve political consensus.

"We must be at the negotiating table with Zanu PF for a broad-based political settlement," he said.

Mlilo also defended Tshabangu's approach, arguing that history would ultimately judge his strategy favourably.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi dismissed reports that formal agreements had been reached, saying no such arrangements had been discussed.

The Bill has also exposed tensions within Zanu PF itself, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga having publicly voiced opposition to extending presidential terms.

Political analysts view Chiwenga as one of the figures most affected by proposals that could reshape succession dynamics within the ruling party.

The Vice-President has previously warned Zanu PF against repeating mistakes associated with the final years of former President Robert Mugabe, whose removal from office in 2017 followed growing internal divisions within the ruling party.

The proposed constitutional amendments have also attracted criticism from retired military officers and senior civil servants. A group represented by Henry Muchena has argued that the changes are being driven by individuals pursuing narrow political interests rather than broader national objectives.

As Parliament prepares to resume debate next week, attention is expected to focus on whether further compromises can be reached and whether the controversial Bill can secure sufficient political support in its final form.