A significant legal challenge has commenced in Zimbabwe against the controversial Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), which seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and alter the method of presidential elections. The challenge, which began today, saw the new Chief Justice reportedly blocking media coverage, raising concerns about transparency and public access to critical legal proceedings.
The proposed amendment, gazetted in February 2026, aims to allow current President Emmerson Mnangagwa to potentially remain in power until 2030, beyond his currently mandated second term ending in 2028. Critics argue that CAB3 undermines democratic principles by shifting presidential elections from a direct popular vote to a parliamentary selection process and by extending term limits for the incumbent.
Public hearings on the bill were held across Zimbabwe from March 30 to April 2, 2026, where the proposed changes drew both support and sharp criticism. Legal watchdogs and opposition figures have flagged the amendment as a potential constitutional crisis, as Section 328 of the 2013 Constitution states that amendments extending a term limit cannot legally benefit the person currently holding office without a national referendum.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The current president whose term would be extended by the proposed constitutional amendment.
- Chief Justice: Reportedly blocked media coverage of the legal challenge, raising concerns about judicial transparency.
- Opposition Parties & Civil Society: Actively challenging the constitutionality and democratic implications of CAB3.
Event Timeline
- February 2026: Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) gazetted, proposing term extensions and electoral changes.
- March 30 – April 2, 2026: Parliament conducted nationwide public hearings on the proposed bill.
- May 22, 2026 (Today): Legal challenge against CAB3 begins, with the Chief Justice reportedly blocking media coverage.
- Current Status: The legal challenge is underway, and the bill’s future remains subject to judicial review and parliamentary debate.
