CAB3 could reset presidential clock to 2033: Advocate Thabani Mpofu sounds alarm

Constitutional lawyer Thabani Mpofu has warned that proposed changes under the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Bill (No. 3), 2026 could potentially pave the way for an extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure to 2033, raising fresh debate over the implications of the reforms, and cautioning that even members of Zanu-PF may have been misled about the possible outcome.

In a public commentary, Mpofu suggested that proponents of the amendment may be strategically positioning for a scenario in which the President’s current term is not fully counted.

He argued that if the bill, commonly referred to as “CAB3,” is enacted before September 2026, it could create grounds for Parliament to elect Mnangagwa to a new seven-year term, potentially running until 2033.

Mpofu said some supporters of the President have consistently argued that any presidential term shorter than three years should not be regarded as a full term, a position he believes could influence how the proposed changes are implemented.

“ED’s hangers on insist that any period shorter than three years does not count as a full term and they have continuously made this their starting point in their public discourse,” Mpofu stated.

“It may therefore be that they are racing to have CAB3 signed into law before ED’s 2023 term reaches its three years. That way, they will argue that ED has not served a second term—at least by the time the new law comes into force. If CAB3 is enacted, Parliament would promptly elect ED to a seven‑year term that would run as his second term until 2033.

“Keep your eyes on 2033. If CAB3 becomes law before September 2026, this is the danger we could all face.

“This must concern everyone. Zanu-PF supporters would have been sold a ruse should that course be adopted. Zimbabweans would have been deeply disrespected, saka muchaita sei style.

“By every lawful means available, we must stop this unfolding madness. First price, we stop the amendment. In the event we can’t do that, we stop them from amending prior to September 2026.”

The Bill proposes wide-ranging changes to the country’s governance framework. Among its key provisions is a shift from the current system of directly electing the President through a popular vote to a parliamentary model, where Members of Parliament would elect the Head of State.

The bill also seeks to extend the terms of both the President and Parliament from five to seven years. Additional proposals include transferring voter registration and management of the voters’ roll from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Registrar-General, as well as establishing a Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission to oversee the drawing of electoral boundaries.

Further changes outlined in the bill include increasing the number of Senators, revising judicial appointment procedures, and dissolving constitutional bodies such as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, with some of their functions reassigned to other institutions.

Attorney General Virginia Mabiza and Minister Justice Ziyambi Ziyambi, who are the drafters of the bill, say the measures are intended to strengthen democratic structures, improve institutional efficiency, and promote long-term political stability.

However, critics argue that certain provisions, particularly those relating to presidential term extension and changes to electoral processes, could weaken democratic oversight and concentrate power.

Public consultations held about a month ago were marred by allegations of harassment, exclusion, and violence in some areas.

In Bulawayo, Mayor David Coltart said he was denied the opportunity to speak at a meeting held at City Hall, despite attempting to contribute. Similar concerns were raised by former legislator Gift Ostallos Siziba, who alleged bias and selective participation at a separate hearing in Nketa.