Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill has passed the National Assembly after receiving overwhelming support from lawmakers, with...
Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill has passed the National Assembly after receiving overwhelming support from lawmakers, with 216 Members of Parliament voting in favour of the proposed legislation.
Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda announced the final results following the Bill’s Third Reading, confirming that the proposal comfortably exceeded the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority. A minimum of 187 votes was needed for the Bill to pass in the 280-member House, making the 216 votes secured a decisive endorsement by legislators. Reports indicate that 42 MPs voted against the Bill. (Reuters)
The Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, officially designated H.B. 1 of 2026, proposes several significant changes to Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework. Among the key provisions are the extension of presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven years, changes to the process of electing the President, and reforms affecting a number of state institutions. (Parliament of Zimbabwe)
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The Bill was first gazetted in February 2026, initiating the mandatory public consultation process before being brought before Parliament for debate. Government officials have described the proposed amendments as measures intended to strengthen governance structures, improve institutional efficiency and promote long-term political stability. (Herald Online)
However, the legislation has also generated considerable public debate, with opposition parties, constitutional experts and civil society organisations expressing concerns over some of the proposed changes and their implications for democratic governance. (Reuters)
Following its approval in the National Assembly, the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration. The upper chamber must also approve the Bill with the required constitutional majority before it can become law. Analysts expect the Bill to receive further support in the Senate. (Reuters)
The passage of the Bill in the lower house marks one of the most significant constitutional developments in Zimbabwe since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution.
