Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has reportedly barred journalists from live broadcasting a crucial legal challenge against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). This development has significant implications for presidential term limits, electoral governance, and executive power within the Southern African nation. The case, brought by war veterans and former opposition MP Prince Dubeko Sibanda, challenges proposed constitutional amendments that critics argue are designed to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond his current term, which is set to expire in 2028.
The ruling to block live media coverage was made by Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, who dismissed an application by Sources Media Network, stating that “no sufficient basis has been demonstrated” to warrant live coverage inside the courtroom. This decision has drawn criticism, with arguments that it undermines transparency and democratic tenets, especially given that the state broadcaster, ZBC, was not required to make a formal application for live-streaming in past high-profile cases.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The incumbent president whose potential term extension is at the heart of the constitutional challenge.
- Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza: The head of the Constitutional Court who dismissed the application for live media coverage.
- Sources Media Network: The private media outlet whose request to live-stream the court proceedings was rejected.
- Prince Dubeko Sibanda: Former opposition MP and one of the applicants challenging Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB) 3.
Event Timeline
- May 19, 2026: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court rejects a request by a private media outlet to live-stream a high-stakes legal challenge against proposed constitutional amendments.
- May 21, 2026: Reports emerge that the Mnangagwa term limit challenge has begun, with media coverage blocked.
- Current Status: The legal challenge against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is proceeding in the Constitutional Court without live media broadcast, raising concerns about transparency.
