"Refining, Not Replacing": Charamba Defends Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3

HARARE — Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has stepped forward to mount a robust defense of the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), dismissing critics’ fears as "exaggerated" and "misleading."

In a wide-ranging interview, Charamba sought to frame the legislation as a routine governance exercise rather than the fundamental overhaul described by opposition parties and civil society. He emphasized that the process is about refining specific provisions to align with the country's evolving political and social realities.

Charamba rejected the narrative that the amendment threatens Zimbabwe’s constitutional order. Tracing the nation’s legal history, he argued that constitutions are living documents that must remain flexible.

"Constitutions are not fixed documents," Charamba noted, pointing out that this is the third such amendment since the 2013 Constitution was adopted. He described the changes as "constructive reforms" intended to stabilize the nation’s political landscape.

One of the most contentious points of the Bill is the proposal to move away from the direct popular election of the President. Under CAB3, the President would be elected by a joint sitting of Parliament (the Senate and the National Assembly).

Charamba’s defense included:

• Historical Precedent: He reminded critics that Zimbabwe has previously utilized systems where the President was not directly elected.

• Reducing "Toxicity": The government argues that parliamentary selection will reduce the "toxicity" often associated with general election cycles.

• Efficiency: Framed as a modernization measure, the shift is intended to focus national energy on economic development rather than perpetual campaigning.

Addressing the outcry over the brevity of public hearings, Charamba maintained that the process remains democratic and inclusive. He highlighted that the Bill originated from grassroots proposals and has moved through the proper legislative channels, including Cabinet and Parliament.

While the Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF) has challenged the timeline in court, Charamba noted that the consultation window has been extended to ensure citizens have a defined opportunity to contribute their views before Parliament makes a final decision.

Proposed Key Changes at a Glance

Feature	Current (2013 Constitution)	Proposed (Amendment No. 3)
Presidential Election	Direct popular vote	Joint sitting of Parliament
Term Length	5 years	7 years
Senate Size	80 members	90 members (10 Presidential appointees)
Voter Roll	Managed by ZEC	Managed by Registrar-General

As the public consultation stage continues, the government maintains that CAB3 is a modernization effort designed to safeguard national stability and support Vision 2030 goals.

George Charamba Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3

This video provides a direct record of George Charamba’s comments regarding the mutability of constitutions and his justification for the proposed amendments.