Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has initiated a critical legal challenge against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), a legislative proposal that seeks to extend presidential terms and alter the method of presidential election. In a significant development, the court has barred journalists from providing live coverage of the proceedings, raising concerns about transparency and public access to information regarding a case with profound implications for the nation’s governance and democratic future. The legal challenge, brought by six registered voters, argues that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has failed to uphold his constitutional obligations by presiding over Cabinet proceedings that approved CAB3, a bill that could potentially allow him to remain in power beyond his current term set to expire in 2028.
Key Players Involved
- Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe: The apex court hearing the landmark case challenging Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
- Chief Justice: The official who determined that no sufficient basis was demonstrated to warrant live media coverage of the court proceedings.
- Reuben Zulu + 5 (Applicants): Six registered voters who filed the urgent application challenging the constitutionality of CAB3.
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The incumbent president whose potential term extension is at the center of the constitutional challenge.
- Atherstone & Cook (Sources Media Network): The legal firm that requested authorization for live media coverage, which was subsequently denied.
Event Timeline
- May 20, 2026: The Constitutional Court hearing for the challenge against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 commenced.
- May 19, 2026: The Constitutional Court informed Atherstone & Cook that their request for live coverage was denied following a case management meeting.
- May 21, 2026: News reports highlight the ongoing nature of the legal challenge and the continued restriction on media coverage.
- Current Status: The Constitutional Court case is ongoing, with significant public and political attention, despite the restrictions on live media reporting.
