Parliament Schedules Nationwide Public Hearings on Constitution Amendment Bill

The Parliament of Zimbabwe has officially released the timetable for nationwide public consultations on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026. The hearings, covering all ten provinces, are set to run from March 30 to April 2, 2026.

The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, led by Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, says the consultations are part of a “nationwide engagement” process aimed at ensuring citizens have a voice in proposed constitutional reforms.

Key Proposals in the Bill

The Amendment Bill proposes several significant changes to the 2013 Constitution, including:

Presidential Selection: Shifting from a direct general election to a parliamentary system, where the President would be elected by a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly.

Term Extensions: Adjusting the presidential term and the lifespan of Parliament, which could move the next general election from 2028 to 2030.

Senate Appointments: Allowing the President to nominate ten additional senators based on professional expertise.

Voter Registration: Returning voter registration responsibilities from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General.

Government officials describe these changes as a step toward aligning Zimbabwe’s governance system with global best practices, encouraging more efficient parliamentary oversight, and strengthening leadership accountability.

Concerns Over Compressed Schedule

Some policy analysts and civil society groups have raised concerns about the short four-day consultation period. The schedule includes “doubleheaders,” with morning and afternoon sessions in different locations, which critics say could make it difficult for citizens, particularly those in rural areas, to participate meaningfully.

“The intention is positive, but the timeline may limit full public engagement,” said one policy expert. Church groups and human rights organizations have echoed these concerns, stressing that constitutional changes should reflect broad and inclusive input from all citizens.

Potential Benefits of the Bill

Supporters argue that the Amendment Bill could modernize Zimbabwe’s governance framework. By enabling the parliamentary election of the President and allowing professional appointments to the Senate, the reforms aim to:

Promote greater expertise and oversight in legislative processes.

Strengthen continuity and stability in governance.

Encourage efficient decision-making while maintaining public accountability.

Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has emphasized that the hearings are a critical opportunity for citizens to contribute to shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s governance. “This is a broad constitutional evolution designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and alignment with successful governance practices worldwide,” he said.

As the hearings approach, the debate continues over the adequacy of the consultation period, but the government remains committed to engaging the public on these transformative reforms.