Zimbabwe’s political landscape is abuzz as the National Assembly convenes an extraordinary sitting today, June 30, 2026, to deliberate on amendments to the highly contentious Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 (CAB3). Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi confirmed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is legally required to assent to the Bill within 21 days of its parliamentary passage.
The Senate had overwhelmingly passed the Bill last week but proposed several amendments that the National Assembly had initially overlooked. Once these amendments are considered and passed by the National Assembly, the Bill will be transmitted to the President for his signature.
CAB3 has been a subject of intense debate, with critics, including veteran politician Tendai Biti, labeling it a “slow coup” unfolding in Zimbabwe. The Bill controversially extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, delays the 2028 elections to 2030, and replaces the popular vote for president with a parliamentary ballot, a system that opponents argue would effectively guarantee ZANU-PF control indefinitely.
The proposed changes would see President Mnangagwa remain in power until 2030, bypassing a referendum requirement he had previously pledged to uphold. The ruling ZANU-PF party controls both chambers of parliament, and more than 30 opposition CCC lawmakers reportedly crossed the floor to vote with the ruling party in the National Assembly, ensuring the Bill’s passage.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The Bill, if assented, would extend his rule until 2030.
- Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi: Stated the President’s legal obligation to assent to the Bill and confirmed today’s parliamentary sitting.
- National Assembly and Senate: Passed the Bill, with the National Assembly now considering Senate’s amendments.
- Tendai Biti: Veteran politician who characterized CAB3 as a “slow coup.”
Event Timeline
- June 24, 2026: Zimbabwe’s Senate approved Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
- June 29, 2026: War veterans reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum regarding CAB3.
- June 30, 2026 (Today): National Assembly summoned for an extraordinary sitting to consider Senate’s amendments to CAB3.
