Story by Silence Mugadzaweta, Online Editor
THE enactment of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 marks a milestone that belongs to the people of Zimbabwe, and the new law reflects citizens’ voices and lays the foundation for a more coherent governance framework, the Government has said.
In a statement on Wednesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Zhemu Soda said the legislation was the product of one of Zimbabwe’s most extensive constitutional reform processes.
The Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026 was published in an Extraordinary Government Gazette on Tuesday.
“This achievement belongs not to any one individual, party, or institution. It belongs to the people of this great nation,” Dr Soda said.
“Zimbabwean citizens raised their voices in unison, shaping the destiny of our nation.”
The minister said the constitutional reform process drew unprecedented public participation, with Parliament receiving 540 037 written submissions, of which 537 102 supported the Bill while 2 935 opposed it. During public hearings, 67 302 people backed the Bill, compared to 386 who opposed it.
“This was not merely a legislative exercise; it was a national conversation, a dialogue between Parliament and citizens that reaffirms the strength of our democracy,” he said.
“We thank each and every Zimbabwean who took their time to participate, whether through written submissions, attendance at public hearings, or contributions via email. Your voices have been heard. Your contributions have been valued.”
Dr Soda also commended Parliament for steering the constitutional amendment through both Houses.
In the National Assembly, 216 legislators voted in favour of the Bill with 42 voting against, surpassing the two-thirds constitutional threshold. The Senate approved the Bill with amendments by 75 votes to four, while the National Assembly later adopted the senate amendments by 226 votes to 41.
“This was democracy in action—robust, transparent, and ultimately unifying,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the new law, Dr Soda said Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 was designed to create a more coherent governance system capable of strengthening national institutions and improving policy implementation.
“Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 is more than an amendment; it is a milestone representing our collective resolve to create a more coherent governance framework by addressing electoral cycles, strengthening our institutions, and improving policy continuity,” he said.
He added that the legislative process, which included public consultations, parliamentary debates and committee scrutiny, had been “thorough, inclusive, and lawful,” reflecting the will of the people through their elected representatives.
Looking ahead, Dr Soda called on Zimbabweans to build on the constitutional reforms through unity and national development.
“Let us now continue in unity and focus on the task before us: building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Zimbabwe,” he said.
“CAA3 is not an end; it is a beginning. It is the foundation upon which we will build a brighter future for generations to come.”
