Fresh Legal Storm Over Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3

The passing of the controversial Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3) has cleared the way for numerous court challenges against legislation that seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond constitutionally mandated limits.

Parliamentary Approval

The Bill cleared its final stage in the National Assembly on Tuesday during an extraordinary sitting convened by the President after legislators reconsidered amendments proposed by the Senate. It was approved by 226 votes, with 41 opposition legislators from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) voting against it. The Bill now awaits Mnangagwa’s signature.

Legal Challenges

War veteran Reuben Zulu has already launched an urgent High Court application seeking to halt the processing of CAB 3, following the fallout from controversial cash and car gifts given to Members of Parliament by businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Zulu argued in his application that Parliament’s approval of the proposed constitutional changes was “contaminated” by allegations of corruption and unlawful inducements offered to MPs.

Implications

The passage of CAB 3 has sparked significant legal and political debate, with critics arguing that it undermines democratic principles and the integrity of the constitutional amendment process. The outcome of the pending legal challenges could have profound implications for Zimbabwe's governance and political landscape.