Zimbabwe Set for Landmark Public Hearings on Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill

Parliament of Zimbabwe, where the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill will be debated following public consultations

Harare, Zimbabwe- Parliament has officially announced a nationwide four-day window—running from March 30 to April 2, 2026—for citizens to participate in public hearings regarding the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026). The Bill, which was gazetted on February 17, proposes the most radical restructuring of the Zimbabwean State since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution.

The Amendment No. 3 Bill seeks to significantly alter how the President is elected and how the electoral roll is managed.

• Indirect Presidential Election: A move to replace the direct "first-past-the-post" public vote with a parliamentary process for electing the President.

• Term Extensions: Proposing an extension of the presidential term from five to seven years.

• Absolute Majority Rule: Clause 3 mandates an absolute majority (>50%) for a win, with a run-off provision if no candidate meets the threshold.

• Voters' Roll Transfer: Moving the responsibility for voter registration and the maintenance of the voters' roll from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) back to the Registrar-General’s Office.

In compliance with Section 131 of the Constitution, Parliament must allow for a 90-day notice period and active public participation before the Bill is debated in either the Senate or the National Assembly.

Channel	Method of Submission
Public Hearings	Attend meetings in person at designated provincial venues (March 30 – April 2).
Email Submissions	Send written views to the official Parliament of Zimbabwe email address.
Physical Deposit Box	Located at the Old Parliament Building in Harare’s CBD.
Venue Desks	Special desks will be set up at all consultation venues for written entries.

Consultation Schedule (Selected Venues)

Date	Province/Location	Venue
March 30	Harare	Chitungwiza Aquatic Centre
March 30	Bulawayo	Bulawayo City Hall
March 31	Harare	Epworth Local Board / Harare City Centre
April 1-2	National	Gokwe, Kwekwe, Zvishavane, Gwanda, Hwange, Mutare, Bindura.

These hearings are a constitutional prerequisite. Once completed, parliamentary committees will compile a report detailing public sentiment. This input will theoretically shape the debate when the Bill finally reaches the National Assembly floor. Proponents argue the changes will align election cycles with long-term economic goals, while legal observers note the potential for a massive shift in the country's political landscape.

 Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill hearings