Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – As Zimbabwe’s 90-day consultation process on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3 (CAB3) enters its final 48 hours, citizens across the country are now waiting to see how their submissions will shape the future of the nation’s governance structure.
The nationwide outreach programme, spearheaded by the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, saw public hearings conducted in provinces, districts and growth points where Zimbabweans were given an opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed constitutional changes.The consultations attracted traditional leaders, youths, churches, civil society organisations, war veterans, women’s groups, businesspeople and ordinary residents, with heated debates dominating most meetings.
Among the major issues raised during the CAB3 consultations were proposals touching on the extension and alignment of certain judicial and executive provisions, the running of elections, the handling of vacancies in Parliament, and governance reforms meant to streamline constitutional operations.
In Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo and several rural districts, citizens turned up in large numbers, with some supporting the amendments while others expressed concern over sections they felt needed broader consensus.Speaking during a community consultation meeting in Chitungwiza, resident Memory Dube said the process gave ordinary citizens a rare chance to directly participate in law-making.“We usually hear about laws after they have already been passed, but this time people were allowed to openly share their views. Whether Government adopts all the proposals or not, citizens have spoken,” she said.
Another resident from Gokwe, Elias Ncube, said rural communities appreciated Parliament’s efforts to decentralise the hearings.“People in remote areas also matter. Bringing consultations to districts allowed villagers to understand constitutional issues better. Many people were hearing detailed explanations for the first time,” he said.
Several Members of Parliament who participated in the hearings described the process as one of the most engaging constitutional outreach programmes in recent years.Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the consultations were meant to ensure citizens become active participants in shaping national laws.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Zimbabwe and consultations are important in gathering the people’s views before any amendments are concluded,” he said during one of the outreach meetings.
Opposition legislator Charlton Hwende urged citizens to continue actively participating in constitutional matters, saying constitutional amendments must always reflect the aspirations of the people.
Meanwhile,former Gokwe -Nembudziya legislator Justice Mayor Wadyajena said the consultations demonstrated democratic engagement as communities were freely expressing both support and criticism of the proposed changes.
Political and economic analyst Rodrick Fayayo said the public consultations would test the country’s commitment to constitutional democracy.“The real issue now is whether Parliament will genuinely incorporate the views collected from ordinary citizens. Public participation becomes meaningful when people can see their contributions reflected in the final outcome,” Fayayo said.
Constitutional law expert Dr. James Tsabora said the consultation phase was an important democratic process that could strengthen public confidence in governance if handled transparently.“Constitutional amendments are sensitive national issues because they shape how State institutions function. The legitimacy of the process depends on how inclusive, transparent and accountable Parliament remains after consultations,” Tsabora said.
Political analysts say once the 90-day consultation period officially ends, Parliament is expected to compile reports from all provinces before deliberations resume in the National Assembly and Senate.Constitutional experts have also noted that the next stage will likely involve the tabling of consolidated findings before legislators debate whether the proposed amendments should proceed in their current form, be adjusted, or face further scrutiny.
Across Zimbabwe, many citizens now expect transparency from lawmakers regarding how public submissions will influence the final outcome.University student Tatenda Mlambo from Masvingo said Zimbabweans now want accountability after participating in the hearings.“People sacrificed time to attend meetings and make submissions. Citizens now expect Parliament to seriously consider the views gathered instead of treating consultations as a formality,” he said.
Women’s rights activist Lucia Chirenje from Marondera said constitutional processes must remain inclusive.
“We saw women, youths and people with disabilities speaking out during consultations. That inclusivity must continue even when final decisions are being made,” she said.
As the consultation window closes within the next two days, attention now shifts to Parliament and policymakers, with Zimbabweans eagerly waiting to see whether the voices gathered during the nationwide outreach will significantly shape the final direction of Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3.
