Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has today, November 11, 2026, postponed the highly anticipated hearings on two applications challenging the constitutionality of recent amendments to the supreme law. These amendments notably paved the way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to potentially remain in office until 2030. The full bench is now expected to hear the matter next Wednesday, November 18.
The postponement followed a case management meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Paddington Garwe, where concerns were raised regarding the court’s composition. The Constitutional Amendment Act, signed into law in July, extended Mnangagwa’s current term by two years, from 2028 to 2030, and also extended the tenure of Members of Parliament who voted for the legislation. This has become a significant political flashpoint, with critics arguing against its implications for the country’s 2028 electoral timetable and constitutional limits on executive power.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku, representing the applicants, indicated that parties agreed the court should first address an application by Vhurande Mahlupeko, which directly challenges the validity of some amendments and the expanded composition of the apex court. Approximately nine to ten provisions were allegedly added without being gazetted, including one that increased the number of Constitutional Court judges. Following the amendments, President Mnangagwa appointed an additional three judges, creating a potential conflict in the determination of a challenge questioning the legality of the expanded court. Meanwhile, the government has also commenced a legislative overhaul to give effect to these constitutional changes, with proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, General Laws Amendment Bill, and a new Delimitation Bill expected to be tabled before Cabinet within the next two weeks.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Beneficiary of the constitutional amendments extending presidential term limits.
- Constitutional Court: The judicial body tasked with hearing challenges to the constitutional amendments.
- Deputy Chief Justice Paddington Garwe: Chaired the case management meeting leading to the postponement.
- Professor Lovemore Madhuku: Representative for the applicants challenging the constitutional amendments.
- Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi: Announced legislative overhaul to implement constitutional changes.
Event Timeline
- July 2026: Constitutional Amendment Act signed into law, extending presidential and parliamentary terms.
- November 11, 2026: Constitutional Court postpones hearings on challenges to the amendments.
- November 18, 2026: New date set for the Constitutional Court to hear the challenges.
