A new coalition comprising church leaders, labor unions, and civic organizations has formed in Zimbabwe to oppose the government’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. The group, named Sungano yeVanhu/Ubumbano lomphakathi (The People’s Coalition), announced its formation on Friday, stating its primary goal is to prevent the bill from becoming law.
During a launch event, the coalition asserted that the proposed legislation undermines Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution. In a statement reported by New Zimbabwe, the group described the bill as an effort to “dismantle the Constitution, not amend it.” Organizers presented the alliance as a unified front of citizens organized to protect the country’s governing charter.
Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 contains several key provisions. It proposes changes to the appointment process for senior judges, including the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and Judge President of the High Court. The amendment would give the president the authority to appoint these officials after consulting the Judicial Service Commission, removing the current requirement for public interviews. The bill also proposes extending the retirement age for Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges from 70 to 75.
Furthermore, the legislation would eliminate a clause requiring presidential running mates, allowing the president to appoint vice presidents directly.
The People’s Coalition stated its opposition to these changes and positioned itself as a challenge to the ruling ZANU-PF party’s legislative agenda. According to reports from the launch, speakers said the coalition was formed to provide a collective voice for various sectors of society concerned about the constitutional amendments. The group did not specify the exact actions it would take but affirmed its intention to block the passage of the legislation.
Government officials and representatives from ZANU-PF have previously stated that the amendments are necessary for streamlining government functions and ensuring stability. They maintain the changes are a legitimate exercise of the parliamentary process. The bill has already passed through the National Assembly and the Senate and awaits presidential assent.
