Government Gazettes Draft Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill

The Government has gazetted the draft Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill on Monday, 16 February 2026, setting in motion a major constitutional review process that could significantly reshape Zimbabwe’s governance system.

If passed, the proposed amendment would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his current term and would fundamentally change how national leaders, including the President, are elected. Parliament has now opened a 90-day period for public debate, after which the Bill will be formally tabled for consideration.

According to the official Memorandum, the Bill is presented as a package of “constructive reforms” aimed at strengthening constitutional governance, improving institutional efficiency, and aligning Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework with practices used in other African countries. Government says the proposals are meant to modernise the 2013 Constitution while preserving its core values.

One of the most far-reaching proposals is the introduction of a parliamentary method of electing the President, replacing the current system of direct presidential elections. Under this model, Members of Parliament would elect the President, with a run-off if no candidate secures an outright majority. The process would be overseen by electoral authorities to ensure fairness and transparency.

The Bill also proposes extending the presidential and parliamentary term from five years to seven years, a move government argues will reduce frequent election pressures and allow more time for long-term development projects to be implemented.
In another major change, responsibility for voter registration and the voters’ roll would be transferred from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General. Government says this will improve efficiency, as the Registrar-General already manages national population records.

The proposed amendment further restructures electoral institutions by creating a Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission, which would take over boundary-drawing functions. This would effectively remove ZEC’s current dual role, a move authorities say promotes institutional integrity and good governance.

Other provisions include increasing the number of appointed senators to 90, giving the President power to appoint ten senators to bring in technical expertise and promote inclusivity. The Bill also expands the powers of the Constitutional Court, allowing it to hear cases of major public importance beyond constitutional disputes and presidential election petitions.

Several constitutional commissions are also affected. The Bill proposes dissolving the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, with their functions reassigned to existing bodies such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission. Government argues this will reduce duplication and streamline oversight.

Judicial and security sector provisions are also amended, including changes to the appointment of the Prosecutor-General and clarifying the constitutional role of the Defence Forces.

As the 90-day consultation period begins, the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill is expected to generate intense national debate. Supporters say it promotes stability and efficiency, while critics are likely to question its implications for democracy, accountability, and executive power.

The coming months will determine whether these sweeping changes gain public and parliamentary approval.