Zimbabwe's Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 needs safeguards to protect democracy, warns rights watchdog
The Zimbabwe Peace Project has criticized the newly enacted Constitution Amendment Act No. 3, warning that it threatens democratic participation and judicial independence. The act, which extends presidential and parliamentary terms, has sparked significant debate over the concentration of executive power.
Why it matters
The amendment represents a major shift in Zimbabwe's governance structure, raising international concerns about the erosion of democratic checks and balances.
THE Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has said the recently enacted Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act could undermine political rights by weakening democratic participation, judicial independence and electoral oversight.
In its June 2026 Monthly Monitoring Report, the human rights watchdog said the month was dominated by intense parliamentary debate over the controversial CAB3, describing it as one of the most significant constitutional reform proposals since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution.
The Bill was passed by the National Assembly on June 18 after securing 216 votes in favour and 42 against, before sailing through the Senate on June 24 with 75 senators supporting it and four opposing.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed it into law on July 7.
ZPP said the reforms could weaken democratic institutions if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
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