- Zimbabwean traditional leaders are reportedly under intense pressure to endorse the contentious Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
- The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works advised the President of the National Council of Chiefs to convene emergency provincial assemblies.
- These assemblies, held on March 26, 2026, aimed to gather support ahead of a crucial National Council of Chiefs meeting scheduled for today, March 29, 2026.
- The Bill proposes significant changes, including extending presidential and parliamentary terms and altering the method of electing the President.
The Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, gazetted in February 2026, has ignited considerable debate across Zimbabwe’s political and civic landscape. Its potential implications include allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond his current term, possibly until 2030, despite constitutional two-term limits. The involvement of traditional leaders in political endorsements, a role constitutionally mandated as neutral, further amplifies the controversy surrounding the proposed changes. The reported mobilisation efforts highlight the government’s push to secure approval for a bill that could reshape Zimbabwe’s governance structure.
Critics argue that any extension of presidential terms should be subject to a national referendum, not solely parliamentary approval. The ruling ZANU-PF party, which holds a majority in Parliament, has been pushing for these amendments, leading to increased scrutiny and opposition from various sectors, including civil society and legal experts. The outcome of today’s National Council of Chiefs meeting is highly anticipated, as it could signal the level of support or opposition for the controversial bill among a key traditional constituency.
Timeline
- **March 26, 2026:** Emergency provincial assemblies of chiefs convened to discuss the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
- **March 29, 2026:** National Council of Chiefs meeting scheduled to address the amendment bill.
Key Players
- **Chief Mtshane Khumalo:** President of the National Council of Chiefs, reportedly advised to convene assemblies.
- **Chief Fortune Charumbira:** Deputy President of the National Council of Chiefs.
- **Daniel Garwe:** Minister of Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing, allegedly directed the mobilisation of chiefs.
- **President Emmerson Mnangagwa:** Current President whose term could be extended by the proposed amendments.
