Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
MASHONALAND East Province has expressed support for the Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill of 2026, recently gazetted by the Government, which proposes wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening constitutional institutions and entrenching democracy.
The proposed amendments include extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, granting Parliament the power to elect the President, increasing the number of senators appointed by the President by 10 to bring the total to 90, and establishing a Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission to oversee ward and constituency boundaries.
Residents from across Mashonaland East, including religious and traditional leaders, say the reforms are necessary to accelerate progress towards Vision 2030.
Village head Mr Lazarus Masangomai Svosve described the amendment as progressive.
“The Constitutional Amendment No.3 is progressive, as we want Vision 2030 to be a success. The five-year terms are very short, and frequent elections disturb development. We have seen enormous developments under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, including Muchekeranwa and Kunzvi dams. The President should fulfil his development vision,” he said.
Church leader Madzibaba Echoes Chaora said extending the President’s term until 2030 would sustain the current development trajectory.
“This will ensure the country attains Vision 2030 without setbacks. If we go for elections regularly, developments such as road rehabilitation and dam construction will be retarded. A winning team should not be disturbed. We also support the election of the President through a parliamentary system,” he noted.
Transport operator Mr Discussion Tawonga Maodza echoed similar sentiments, saying legislators elected by the people should have the mandate to elect the President on their behalf.
Meanwhile, Marondera District Coordinating Committee Chairperson for ZANU PF, Comrade Shephard Kaserera, said the pace of infrastructural development justifies the proposed changes.
“The President is on a trajectory of improving the lives of the people, including infrastructure development. This has necessitated calls for the extension of his term. Legislators can represent us well in electing the President,” he said.
Daniel Garwe, the party’s Provincial Chairperson said the amendment is constitutional and seeks to respond to prevailing national realities.
“It is very constitutional to amend the Constitution. The amendments seek to respond to realities on the ground that include developing the country and achieving Vision 2030,” he said.
