Zimbabwean Parliament Debates Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill

Members of Zimbabwe’s Parliament debated the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill this week, a legislative proposal that includes several changes to the country’s 2013 constitution. The debate in the National Assembly involved legislators from the ruling ZANU-PF party and opposition parties ahead of a scheduled vote on the measure.

The bill, as presented to Parliament, contains multiple proposed amendments. Key provisions include altering the procedure for the appointment and promotion of senior judges, which would grant the president more authority in selecting the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and Judge President of the High Court without a public interview process.

Another significant proposal within the bill is the removal of a clause that requires presidential candidates to select running mates who would automatically become vice presidents. Further, the legislation seeks to extend the retirement age for judges of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court from 70 to 75 years, subject to a medical fitness report.

During the parliamentary debate, lawmakers supporting the bill, primarily from the ruling ZANU-PF, stated that the proposed changes were intended to streamline government operations and align the constitution with established practices in other jurisdictions. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who introduced the bill, argued that the amendments would ensure stability and efficiency within the judiciary and the executive branch.

Opposition members expressed objections to the proposed changes. Lawmakers from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and other opposition figures argued that the amendments would undermine the principle of separation of powers and weaken democratic institutions. Their stated concerns centered on the potential for increased executive influence over the judiciary and the consolidation of presidential power.

For a constitutional amendment to pass in Zimbabwe, it requires the affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate. The ZANU-PF party currently holds a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament.

The debate follows the passage of previous constitutional amendments, including Constitution Amendment (No. 1) and (No. 2) Acts, which also adjusted judicial appointments and other governance structures. Following the conclusion of the debate, Parliament is scheduled to proceed with a vote to determine if the bill will advance to the Senate and, subsequently, for presidential assent.