ZANU-PF ‘not afraid of referendum’ on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 – Mugadza

Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza

HARARE – Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza says ZANU-PF would comfortably win a referendum on the proposed Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill, insisting the party has nothing to fear from a public vote. Speaking to party affiliates this week, Mugadza dismissed calls for a referendum, echoing the ruling party’s position that the proposed changes do not legally require one.

“Do you think ZANU-PF fears a referendum? As ZANU-PF, we always win, and they cannot stop us. There is no issue here,” he said. “We are not violating the Constitution, so there is no need for a referendum it is just a postponement of the election.”

The Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill has sparked intense debate across Zimbabwe, with critics and civil society groups warning of far-reaching implications for democratic governance.

Key provisions include:

• Extending the terms of the President, Parliament, and local authorities from five to seven years

• Replacing the direct popular vote for the President with an election by Parliament

• Removing public interviews in the appointment of judges

Legal analysts say the proposals would significantly reshape Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework, particularly around electoral processes and judicial transparency.

Under Zimbabwe’s current Constitution, certain amendments require a referendum, particularly those affecting fundamental governance structures. Opposition parties, legal experts, and civic organisations have argued that the scale of changes proposed in the bill warrants direct public approval. However, ZANU-PF officials maintain that the amendments fall within the scope of parliamentary processes and do not trigger mandatory referendum provisions.

Mugadza’s remarks come amid growing national debate over the bill, which has drawn criticism from churches, civil society organisations, and governance watchdogs. Analysts say the dispute reflects deeper tensions over constitutional reform and political accountability.

“Any proposal that alters how leaders are elected or how judges are appointed inevitably raises questions about democratic oversight,” said Harare-based constitutional lawyer Tendai Biti.

The bill is expected to go through parliamentary processes, including public hearings, before any final decision is made. While ZANU-PF holds a parliamentary majority, pressure is mounting for broader consultation and transparency in handling the proposed changes. For now, the question of whether Zimbabweans will directly vote on the amendments remains a key flashpoint in the country’s evolving political landscape.

Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 Zimbabwe