CDF Petitions Speaker Mudenda: "Reconvene CAB3 Hearings to Protect Citizen Rights"

HARARE — The Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF) has formally escalated its challenge against the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), petitioning the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, to nullify and reconvene the recent public outreach program. In a stern letter dated April 10, 2026, the civic group represented by human rights lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) argued that the four-day consultation window was a "mechanical box-ticking exercise" that violated the supreme law of the land.

The CDF’s legal team, led by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Kelvin Kabaya, presented a dossier of concerns regarding the atmosphere of the hearings held between March 30 and April 2. The petition alleges:

• Targeted Violence: Reports of intimidation and physical harassment directed at citizens expressing dissenting views.

• Exclusionary Tactics: Allegations that opposing voices were systematically denied the floor, while supporters of the Bill were prioritized.

• Choreographed Participation: A "chilling effect" that discouraged ordinary Zimbabweans from speaking freely, undermining the spirit of constitutional democracy.

The CDF argues that Parliament has failed to meet its dual obligations under the 2013 Constitution:

1. Section 67(1)(d): Which guarantees every citizen the right to participate in public affairs and influence government policy.

2. Section 328(4): Which explicitly obliges Parliament to provide "appropriate facilities" and convene genuine public meetings for constitutional amendments.

"The hearings fell short of the constitutional threshold for meaningful public participation. It is morally and legally untenable to proceed with a Bill of this magnitude based on such a flawed process," the letter stated.

The advocacy group reminded the Speaker that the constitutionally mandated 90-day window for public submissions does not lapse until May 18, 2026. The CDF is demanding that Parliament utilize the remaining month to reconvene hearings under increased security and a revised framework that ensures every participant, regardless of political affiliation, can speak without fear of retribution.

This petition marks the second major institutional pushback in 24 hours, following the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC)'s declaration that the Bill is "morally indefensible." With legal experts, the Church, and civic groups now aligned in their demand for a more transparent process, all eyes turn to Speaker Mudenda for a formal response.

CDF petition Jacob Mudenda CAB3