CA3

Tracking Zimbabwe's constitutional reform. Analysis & civic education on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, 2026. Good governance deserves serious debate. #CA3

[The Herald Zimbabwe @HeraldZimbabwe]

Majority of Zimbabweans back CAB3: PPRIZ survey
https://t.co/CKjMIRs5M8
📹: Kuda Bwititi

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Survey Methodology

The @PPRIZ2021 survey on the CA3 Bill employed a robust and transparent methodology.

A total of 1,641 interviews were conducted nationwide, with fieldwork carried out by 51 MPOI enumerators and extensive pre‑testing of the instrument by 29 PPRIZ researchers to ensure validity, reliability, and contextual appropriateness.

76.8% of respondents reported having voted in previous elections, and the sample achieved near‑even gender representation (50.7% men and 49.3% women), enhancing the representativeness of the results.

All data weighting and statistical analysis were carried out by PPRIZ, yielding nationally representative findings within an estimated ±3% margin of error.

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Political Division
@GordenMoyo, CEO of @PPRIZ2021, notes that the survey shows Zimbabwe is politically divided and challenges politicians, civil society, and the church to come together to address this.

According to the PPRIZ survey, 61.6% of Zimbabweans perceive the country as significantly politically divided, 35.6% say it is “very divided”, and 26% say “somewhat divided.”

This perception of deep polarisation forms an important backdrop to discussions on constitutional reform and helps explain why questions of governance architecture and electoral design are so sensitive.

When assessing public responses to the #CA3 amendments, this context matters: people are not reacting to the clauses in a vacuum, but in a political environment where unity, stability and trust are in short supply. CA3 must therefore be debated as a tool for reducing division and strengthening institutional coherence.#CA3
#ZimbabweConstitution
#PPRIZ

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Elections and Corruption

@PPRIZ2021 findings indicate that 53.5% of Zimbabweans believe political competition around elections increases corruption to some degree, 34.7% say elections increase corruption “a lot,” while 18.8% say “somewhat.”

This perception is critical for understanding public attitudes towards reforms that seek to reshape the electoral cycle and reassign institutional responsibilities.

If citizens associate intense electoral contestation with heightened corruption risks, they may be more open to constitutional redesigns that aim to stabilise the political environment, rationalise electoral processes and strengthen oversight.

CA3 is therefore being considered against the backdrop of many people linking the current electoral culture to integrity challenges in public office. #CA3
#ZimbabweConstitution
#PPRIZ

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Public Awareness & Engagement
Awareness of the Bill

The @PPRIZ2021 survey found that 61.1% of Zimbabweans are already aware of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 3) H.B.1 Bill, 2026, an indicator of significant early public awareness.

Among those aware, primary information channels include social media (19.2%), ZBC Radio (17%), friends and relatives (12.3%) and @ZBCNewsonline (7.8%).

This media and interpersonal landscape highlights the central role of digital platforms alongside traditional broadcasting and community networks in shaping public understanding of #CA3.

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

ZEC Trust & Voter Registration

ZEC records the lowest combined trust among the institutions surveyed by @PPRIZ, with nearly 41% of respondents reporting no trust in it. Against this backdrop, the survey also finds that 54.8% support transferring voter registration responsibilities from the ZEC to the Registrar General’s Office under Clauses 2 and 17 of the CA3 Bill, while 42.3% oppose it.

The trust differential between the Registrar General and ZEC helps explain why the proposed transfer enjoys net support.

For reform advocates and critics alike, these findings suggest that any debate about the voters’ roll and electoral administration must take public perceptions of institutional credibility and independence seriously. #CA3
#ZimbabweConstitution
#PPRIZ

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Separate Delimitation Commission

Clauses 11–13 propose the creation of a new Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission, with the delimitation function being transferred away from ZEC. @PPRIZ2021 survey results show 49.7% support for this separation of functions, 44.7% opposition and 5.6% neutrality.

The data suggests that almost half the population is favourable to a model in which delimitation is managed by a dedicated commission.

In the context of public concerns about electoral integrity, this proposal is interpreted by many as an attempt to create clearer functional boundaries, reduce perceived conflicts of interest, and enhance technical focus on constituency and ward boundary design. #CA3
#ZimbabweConstitution @NewsHawksLive
#PPRIZ

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Senate Expansion (expansion)

Clause 8 of the CA3 Bill proposes expanding the Senate from 80 to 90 seats by appointing 10 additional Senators.

The @PPRIZ2021 survey records 51.1% support for this measure, compared with 41.8% opposed and 7.1% neutral or unsure. The stated aim of the expansion is to broaden technical expertise in the Senate and thereby strengthen parliamentary oversight.

For stakeholders, these findings indicate that a modest majority of citizens see value in increasing the pool of specialised knowledge in the upper house, particularly if appointments are conducted transparently and reflect diverse professional and social backgrounds. #CA3
#ZimbabweConstitution
#PPRIZ

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Presidential Election by Parliament
Under Clause 3, 48.9% of respondents support replacing direct popular election of the President with an indirect parliamentary method, compared with 41% opposed and 10.1% undecided. @PPRIZ2021 describes this as a structurally and historically significant reform with potential to strengthen institutional coherence.

#ZimbabweConstitution
#PPRIZ
#ConstitutionalReform

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Term of Office Extension (5 → 7 Years)
@PPRIZ2021 survey results show 51.3% support for extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years (Clauses 4, 9 and 10), against 41.2% opposed and 7.5% neutral. This is one of the more closely contested core amendments in the #CA3 Bill.

#ZimbabweConstitution
#PPRIZ
#ConstitutionalReform

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

The National Public Opinion Survey on the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No.3) H.B.1. Bill, 2026 was conceptualised, designed, and owned by the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ), an independent, non-partisan think-tank based in Bulawayo.

Fieldwork was conducted between 9 and 18 April 2026 by the Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI) using a nationally representative, random, stratified probability sample of 1,641 adult citizens (near-even gender split; 76.8% had voted in a previous election).

PPRIZ’s team of 29 field researchers pretested the instrument, while PPRIZ conducted data weighting and all statistical analyses. The survey provides evidence-based insights into public sentiment on the Bill’s core and supporting amendments to inform lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public. It forms part of one of the most participatory constitutional processes in Zimbabwe’s history, with Parliament ultimately receiving over 300,000 written submissions. #CA3 #ZimbabweConstitution

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

The Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) @PPRIZ2021 is launching a nationally representative survey on the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 3) H.B.1 Bill, 2026 today, 2 July 2026 in Harare.

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

4/4
Let us now channel this momentum into unity, production, and sustainable development.

A stronger institutional foundation will support investment, job creation, and shared prosperity for all Zimbabweans.

🇿🇼 #CA3 #Vision2030 #ZimbabweRising #ConstitutionalReform

Forward together.

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

1/4
#CA3 has passed Parliament.

A significant milestone has been achieved. The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill secured the required two-thirds majorities:

• National Assembly: 226–41
• Senate: 75–4.

Following concurrence on the Senate’s amendments, the Bill now proceeds to His Excellency President @edmnangagwa for assent.

This marks an important step toward enhanced governance stability and long-term national development under Vision 2030.

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

3/4
The process has followed constitutional requirements, including extensive public consultations.

The Bill now rests with the President, who is expected to assent within 21 days of receipt, in line with Section 131 of the Constitution.
Once assented to and gazetted, it will become law.

This outcome reflects the will of the representatives of the people and paves the way for a more predictable and stable political environment. #CA3

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

Follow the live #CA3 National Assembly Debate

https://t.co/gCGQWFBdTb

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

3/ What was dropped entirely.

The original Bill proposed abolishing the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC).

That clause was removed during the National Assembly committee stage on 17 June 2026, following sustained public advocacy during the 90-day consultation period.

The Gender Commission is retained as a standalone constitutional institution✅.

The Bill that both Houses passed is not the Bill that was gazetted in February 2026. The National Assembly listened to the citizens. #CA3

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

1/ TODAY �� June 30, 2026 | Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly.

President Mnangagwa summoned an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly this afternoon at 14:15.

The National Assembly sits to consider each Senate amendment in Committee of the Whole House.

The House needs a two-thirds majority (187 votes) to concur with each Senate change. Once concurrence is recorded, the text of the Bill becomes identical to that passed by both Houses.

This is the reconciliation stage, a standard constitutional requirement before a Bill can proceed to assent. #CA3

Follow @ParliamentZim for live updates from today's extraordinary sitting.

[CA3 @amendmentca3]

What the Senate Changed in the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (H.B. 1B, 2026)

On 24 June 2026, the Senate passed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill at Third Reading by 75 votes to 4, well above the two-thirds majority required by section 328(5) of the Constitution. During the Committee stage, the Senate adopted seven amendments.

Here is a precise account of every change made👇.

1⃣Clause 3 — Presidential Election by Parliament

The Senate deleted the original subsection (5) and replaced it with:

"(5) The election of the President shall be conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, in accordance with the Electoral Law and Standing Orders."
This amendment explicitly confirms ZEC's institutional role in conducting the parliamentary presidential election, removing any ambiguity about who presides over the joint sitting and ensuring the procedure remains anchored in Zimbabwe's electoral law.

2⃣New Clause inserted after Clause 3 (renumbered as Clause 4) — Assumption of Office

Section 94 of the Constitution ("Assumption of office by President and Vice-President") was amended by repealing subsection (3). This removes an older transitional provision rendered incompatible with the new succession and election architecture created by the Bill, ensuring the new framework operates without internal constitutional conflict.

3⃣Clause 6 (renumbered as Clause 7) — Presidential Succession

Section 101 of the Constitution was fully substituted with the following:

"101. Succession in the event of death, resignation or incapacity of President or Vice-President: If the person elected President in any election dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the Vice-President or, where there are two Vice-Presidents, the Vice-President who was last nominated to act in terms of section 100, acts as President until a new President assumes office in terms of section 92."
This is the most practically significant Senate amendment. Where Zimbabwe has two serving Vice-Presidents, it provides a clear, unambiguous constitutional rule for succession: the VP most recently nominated to act under section 100 automatically assumes the acting presidency. This eliminates any potential for institutional disputes in the event of a presidential vacancy and closes a governance gap left by the original Bill's version of section 101.

4⃣New Clause inserted after Clause 9 (renumbered as Clause 11) — First Sitting of Parliament

Section 145 of the Constitution ("First sitting of Parliament following general election") was repealed and substituted with a new provision establishing that:

After a general election, the first sitting of Parliament must take place not later than fourteen days after the election result has been declared.
The Clerk of Parliament determines the date and time by notice in the Gazette.

Until the President of the Senate or the Speaker is elected, the Clerk of Parliament presides over the first meeting of each House.

This amendment is directly linked to the new presidential election model. Since Parliament now elects the President under section 92, Parliament must convene promptly after a general election to conduct that election. The 14-day constitutional deadline creates a clear, enforceable timetable and removes any discretion about when the new Parliament begins its work.

5⃣Clause 14 (renumbered as Clause 16) — Technical Judicial Drafting Correction

The word "Judge" was inserted before "President of the Supreme Court" in paragraph (a), rendering the correct constitutional title: "Judge President of the Supreme Court."

This is a technical correction, but it is constitutionally significant. The Bill creates the Judge President of the Supreme Court as a formally distinct constitutional office, separate from the Chief Justice. Without this word, the constitutional text would be internally inconsistent with the new judicial structure created elsewhere in the Bill. Precision in constitutional drafting is not optional.

6⃣New Clause inserted after Clause 21 (renumbered as Clause 23) — Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission

Section 243 of the Constitution (Functions of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission) was amended by repealing paragraph (i) and substituting it with:

"(i) to recommend to Parliament and the Executive appropriate and effective measures for the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the enactment of legislation and the formulation of policies directed towards national healing, reconciliation and nation-building;"

This amendment directly addresses a gap created by the Bill's repeal of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). By explicitly vesting the ZHRC with authority to recommend measures for national healing, reconciliation and nation-building, including legislation and policy, the Senate ensured that the constitutional mandate for post-conflict healing does not simply disappear when the NPRC is abolished. It is a substantive strengthening of the ZHRC's institutional mandate.

7⃣New Clause inserted after Clause 25 (renumbered as Clause 29) — Independent Commissions

Section 232 of the Constitution ("Independent Commissions") was amended by repealing paragraph (e). Section 232 sets out the general constitutional description of Zimbabwe's Independent Commissions. Paragraph (e) referenced the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. Since the NPRC is abolished by the Bill, retaining paragraph (e) would leave the Constitution pointing to an institution that no longer exists. This amendment aligns the general commissions provision with the new institutional architecture created by the Bill.

The National Assembly will convene an extraordinary sitting on 30 June 2026 at 14:15 to consider each Senate amendment in Committee of the Whole House.

Upon concurrence, requiring a two-thirds majority of 187 votes, the text of the Bill becomes identical as passed by both Houses, completing the bicameral process under section 328(5) of the Constitution.

The Bill then proceeds to presidential assent by President Emmerson Mnangagwa @edmnangagwa, becoming the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026. #CA3
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