Security fears halt late-night CAB3 debate as Parliament advances controversial bill

Debate on Zimbabwe’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) was suspended earlier than expected on Wednesday after lawmakers expressed concerns about their safety amid reports of threats directed at Members of Parliament.

National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda had informed legislators that additional security arrangements had been introduced following reports that some MPs had received death threats.

Parliamentary business was cleared from the agenda to allow lawmakers to focus exclusively on the highly contested constitutional amendment bill.

However, concerns persisted despite those assurances. Zanu PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi told journalists he had personally received threats, including messages circulating on social media that allegedly targeted him.

“I am simply doing my job. This is my mandate as an office bearer and I cannot say no,” Togarepi said.

The debate had been expected to continue late into the evening after Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi pushed for extended sittings to speed up consideration of the bill. However, concerns raised by Edwin Mushoriwa and other legislators led Parliament to adjourn proceedings instead.

Political analyst Phillan Zamchiya suggested the security situation could delay the bill’s progress, saying many MPs were uncomfortable travelling or remaining at Parliament after dark following reports of new threats.

The security concerns emerged on the same day Parliament received a committee report claiming overwhelming public support for the constitutional changes.

According to the report, 537,102 of 540,037 submissions received during public consultations — representing a hard to believe 99.4% — backed the proposed amendments.

The recommendations include extending Zimbabwe’s electoral cycle from five to seven years, a change that could move President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s current term from 2028 to 2030.

The bill also proposes replacing direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote to choose the head of state.

CAB3 passed its second reading in Parliament on Wednesday and will now proceed to detailed debate before a final vote.

With Zanu PF controlling more than two-thirds of seats in the National Assembly and enjoying strong influence in the Senate, the legislation is widely expected to secure the numbers required for constitutional amendments.

The committee’s findings were immediately challenged by critics. Constitutional Defenders Forum convener Tendai Biti dismissed the reported support levels, arguing that public opposition to the bill remained widespread.

Opposition has also come from civil society organisations, church groups, legal bodies, war veterans, and retired military officers.

Earlier this week, retired generals and former senior civil servants revealed they had raised concerns directly with Mnangagwa, who reportedly responded: “Whoever wins, wins.”

Among the most contentious provisions is a proposal critics say would undermine Section 328(7) of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which prevents constitutional amendments extending a term of office from benefiting the incumbent holder.

Supporters of the bill argue the reforms will strengthen governance and improve state institutions, while opponents warn they could weaken democratic safeguards and concentrate more power in the executive.