‘President Mnangagwa’ holds countrywide ‘Food and Drink rallies’ to celebrate extension of his term of office
The President Emmerson Mnangagwa led Zimbabwean ruling party
ZANU PF at the weekend held “CAB3 Thank You Rallies” in all the
country’s 10 provinces to celebrate Constitutional Amendment
Act which extends his term of office.
According to the party the rallies were to recognise and
appreciate its supporters who rallied behind the recently
assented Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 into law.
The resolution to amend the Constitution was first introduced
at the Zanu PF 21st Annual National People’s Conference held in
Bulawayo in October 2024.
However, the ruling party sidestepped the country’s
Constitution in coming up with the law as it was supposed to
have gone through 3 referendums.
Apparently, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has filed
an application in the Constitutional Court challenging the
legality of the newly enacted Constitution Amendment (No. 3)
Act, arguing that it was signed into law without the referendum
the party says was constitutionally required.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, 16 July 2026, the
MDC confirmed that court papers have been formally served on
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary
Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Parliament of Zimbabwe
and Attorney General Virginia Mabhiza.
The application, filed as Constitutional Court Case No. CCZ
7/26 under Section 167(2)(d) of the Constitution, seeks to
challenge the constitutionality of the enactment of
Constitution Amendment (No. 3), commonly known as CAB3.
MDC’s Argument
The MDC argues that CAB3 was signed into law without first
being subjected to a national referendum, which the party
contends was required under the Constitution because of the
nature of the amendments.
In its statement, the party described the law as an
unconstitutional alteration of the 2013 Constitution and said
the court action is intended to defend constitutionalism and
the rule of law rather than advance partisan interests.
The party said it is seeking judicial protection of
constitutional provisions, including Sections 328, 110 and 90,
which it believes are implicated by the amendment process.
MDC President Senator Douglas Mwonzora, who was part of the
constitution-making process that produced the 2013
Constitution, is leading the party’s legal team.
Background
Constitution Amendment (No. 3) has generated significant public
debate since it was introduced in Parliament. Supporters have
argued that the changes are intended to improve governance and
institutional efficiency, while critics contend that some of
the amendments alter fundamental constitutional provisions and
required broader public approval.
The public consultation process preceding the Bill’s passage
was itself contentious, with opposition parties, constitutional
experts and civil society organisations raising concerns over
allegations of intimidation, disruption and limited
opportunities for some citizens to express their views during
parliamentary hearings. Government has maintained that the
constitutional requirements for public consultation were
followed.
With the Bill now signed into law, attention is shifting from
Parliament to the courts, where the Constitutional Court will
be asked to determine whether the enactment complied with
Zimbabwe’s Constitution.
What Happens Next?
According to the MDC, the respondents have 21 days to file
their opposing papers before the Constitutional Court considers
the matter.
The party has urged Zimbabweans to remain peaceful as the legal
process unfolds, describing the case as a constitutional test
that could have significant implications for constitutional
governance and democratic accountability.
Why It Matters
The case highlights the importance of constitutional processes,
public participation and the rule of law in democratic
governance. Regardless of political affiliation, constitutional
amendments have lasting implications for governance, making
transparent processes and independent judicial review essential
to maintaining public trust.
The Constitutional Court’s eventual ruling is expected to
clarify whether the enactment of Constitution Amendment (No. 3)
complied with Zimbabwe’s constitutional requirements and could
shape future constitutional reform processes.
