The European Union has stated that the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3) is an internal matter that should be determined by the people of Zimbabwe.
Carolina Cordeiro, Head of Division for Southern Africa at the European External Action Service, emphasised that decisions relating to constitutional amendments fall under the authority of Zimbabweans themselves.
Her remarks effectively dismissed expectations by some opposition groups that external actors would intervene in the country’s constitutional processes.
For a long time, certain groups have sought to draw international attention into Zimbabwe’s domestic affairs. However, the latest position from the EU reinforces a key principle of international relations: the future of Zimbabwe must be shaped by Zimbabweans.
The 90-day public consultation process provided an opportunity for broad participation, with churches, young people, professionals, traditional leaders, and political parties all invited to contribute their views. According to President Emmerson Mnangagwa:
“The public was given a chance to speak. I do not think there is a part of the country which was left out.”
The outcome, supporters argue, reflects the voice of the people and should not be dictated by foreign governments or institutions.
Beyond the legal and political arguments, the debate around CAB 3 has become a reflection of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, democratic processes, and political maturity.
