Chamisa rejects CAB3 finality, but offers no clear plan to block amendment

Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims that Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) is a settled matter, insisting that any changes to the country’s governance require citizens’ consent and participation, although he has not outlined any specific plan to prevent the proposed amendment from progressing.

In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Chamisa said those claiming CAB3 was a “done deal” were either misleading the public or ignoring the role of citizens in determining the country’s future.

“The citizens are the ultimate decision-makers; they alone have the authority to endorse, reject, or seal any deal,” Chamisa said.

He argued that there was currently no legitimate agreement in place, saying any arrangement made without citizens’ consent remained incomplete.

Chamisa’s remarks come after 35 opposition Members of Parliament voted alongside the ruling party, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF, to help CAB3 clear its first major legislative hurdle in the National Assembly last Thursday.

The Bill, which seeks to extend the tenure of the President and legislators by two years, was approved by 216 MPs, while 42 voted against it.

The result exceeded the two-thirds majority threshold of 187 votes required for a constitutional amendment to pass in the 280-seat National Assembly.

Parliamentary figures showed that Zanu-PF did not have sufficient numbers on its own to attain the required margin, with support from opposition MPs proving crucial to the Bill’s passage.

Following the vote, Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda declared the Bill passed and announced that it would be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

CAB3 will now be considered by the Senate, where it must secure another two-thirds majority before advancing further in the constitutional amendment process.

The proposed amendment has attracted criticism from sections of the opposition and civil society, who argue that extending a presidential term should be subjected to a national referendum to allow citizens to decide on the matter.

Despite remaining a prominent opposition figure in Zimbabwe, Chamisa has faced criticism from some quarters for not outlining a clear strategy to halt CAB3.

Observers also point to his leaked audio recording in which he criticized Jameson Timba, Tendai Biti and other former allies for organising opposition to the Bill without his approval, arguing that the remarks undermined efforts to build a united front against the proposed constitutional changes.

In the audio recording, Chamisa is heard asking, “Who gave you the mandate?” in reference to Timba and other opposition leaders.

In November 2025 he sparked controversy after declaring on X that “there is no constitution to protect or defend” and that “we must instead defend and protect our country.”