Mwonzora Demands Secret Ballot on Controversial Constitution Amendment Bill

Douglas Mwonzora has called on Parliament to conduct a secret ballot when lawmakers vote on the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, commonly referred to as CAB3. In formal submissions addressed to Jacob Mudenda earlier this week, Mwonzora argued that a secret ballot was necessary to protect the integrity and independence of Members of Parliament during the voting process.

The MDC leader warned that Parliament and the Presidency both stood to benefit directly from the proposed constitutional amendments, creating what he described as a serious conflict of interest.

“Parliament stands to materially benefit from this amendment. So will the President. To make these two institutions the alpha and omega on this Bill is to bring a serious conflict of interest,” Mwonzora said. “I would like to respect the voting of parliamentarians as a genuine opinion on the Bill during voting. I would like to respect the voting of Parliamentarians as a genuine reflection of their individual views.” “I, therefore, kindly request that the voting on the Bill in both houses of Parliament be by secret ballot.”

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill now moves to Parliament following the completion of the mandatory 90-day public notice period, which ended in mid-May. The proposed legislation is expected to be debated in both the National Assembly and Senate before lawmakers vote on whether to adopt it. Under Zimbabwe’s constitutional requirements, the Bill must secure a two-thirds majority in both houses to become law. Political analysts say the proposed amendments could become some of the most significant constitutional changes since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980.

Among the most controversial proposals in CAB3 is a provision that would remove the public’s direct power to elect the President and instead transfer that responsibility to Parliament. The Bill also proposes extending the terms of office for the President, Parliament, and local authorities from five years to seven years. Critics argue that the amendments could weaken democratic accountability and reduce citizens’ direct participation in choosing national leaders.

Constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku previously warned that changes affecting presidential elections and term structures require broad national consensus.

“Constitutional amendments dealing with executive authority and electoral systems must reflect the will of the people because they fundamentally alter governance structures,” he said in previous public commentary.

Supporters of the proposed amendments, however, argue that longer terms could improve policy continuity, reduce election-related costs, and allow governments more time to implement development programmes.

Mwonzora’s request for a secret ballot has added another layer of political tension to the constitutional reform process. Opposition figures and civil society groups have increasingly argued that MPs may face political pressure when voting openly on sensitive constitutional matters. A secret ballot, supporters say, would allow legislators to vote freely according to conscience without fear of party reprisals or intimidation. Parliament has not yet publicly indicated whether it will grant Mwonzora’s request. The debate around CAB3 is expected to dominate Zimbabwe’s political landscape in the coming weeks as lawmakers prepare for discussions and voting in both houses.

Douglas Mwonzora

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