Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has denied a request for live media coverage of the ongoing hearing concerning Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), a legislative proposal that seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms. The highly anticipated case, which commenced on May 20, 2026, challenges President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged role in approving the bill, which critics argue is designed to prolong his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms. The court’s decision to bar live broadcasts has sparked concerns among civil society and media organizations regarding transparency and public access to a matter of significant national interest.
Key Players Involved
- Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe: The judicial body presiding over the challenge to CAB3.
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The incumbent president whose term could be extended by the proposed bill.
- Reuben Zulu + 5: Six registered voters who filed the urgent application challenging CAB3.
- Atherstone & Cook (representing Sources Media Network): The entity that requested live coverage of the proceedings, which was denied.
Event Timeline
- May 20, 2026: The Constitutional Court case, Reuben Zulu + 5 vs The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe N.O. & The Attorney General of Zimbabwe (CCZ 8/26), began in Harare.
- May 21, 2026, 5:10 AM: Reports indicate ongoing challenges related to CAB3 at the Constitutional Court.
- Current Status: The Constitutional Court has denied live coverage for the hearing, raising questions about transparency in a case with profound implications for Zimbabwe’s democratic future.
