Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has initiated a major legal challenge against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), a legislative proposal that seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. The case, which has significant implications for the country’s electoral governance and executive power, began with a controversial decision by the new Chief Justice to bar journalists from broadcasting live coverage of the proceedings.
The Law Society of Zimbabwe has declared that the term extension clauses within CAB3 are unconstitutional without a national referendum, adding weight to the opposition against the bill. Critics argue that the amendment is designed to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030 without facing elections.
Key Players Involved
- Constitutional Court: The judicial body hearing the challenge against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
- Law Society of Zimbabwe: Argues that CAB3’s term extension clauses are unconstitutional without a referendum.
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The current president, whose term could be extended by the proposed amendment.
- Chief Justice: Issued the directive to block live media coverage of the court proceedings.
- Opposition Groups: Actively fighting against the proposed constitutional changes.
Event Timeline
- February 2026: Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) was gazetted, proposing to extend presidential and parliamentary terms.
- May 21, 2026 (Early Morning): The Constitutional Court began hearing the challenge to CAB3.
- May 21, 2026 (Early Morning): The new Chief Justice blocked live media coverage of the court proceedings.
- Current Status: The legal challenge is ongoing, with significant public and legal debate surrounding the constitutionality of CAB3 and the media restrictions.
