Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026 marks a significant milestone in the country’s constitutional development and lays the foundation for a stronger governance framework, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Zhemu Soda has said.
In a statement following President Mnangagwa’s assent to the Bill, Minister Soda said the Act had officially become law after completing all constitutional and legislative processes, ushering in what Government described as a new constitutional dispensation.
“His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa has assented to the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, which has now been gazetted into law. Constitutional Amendment Act Number 3 of 2026 is a milestone that ushers in a new constitutional dispensation for our beloved country, Zimbabwe,” he said.
Minister Soda said the amendment was the product of one of the country’s most extensive public consultation processes, demonstrating Zimbabwe’s commitment to constitutional democracy and citizen participation.
He said Parliament received 540 037 written submissions on the Bill, with 537 102 supporting the proposed amendments and 2 935 opposing them.
Public hearings also reflected overwhelming backing for the Bill, with 67 302 citizens expressing support compared to 386 who opposed it.
“The process was not merely a legislative exercise; it was a national conversation between Parliament and citizens that reaffirms the strength of our democracy. Your voices have been heard. Your contributions have been valued,” said Minister Soda.
He said Parliament has faithfully discharged its constitutional mandate, with the National Assembly approving the Bill by 216 votes to 42, comfortably surpassing the required two-thirds majority.
The Senate subsequently passed the Bill by 75 votes to four before the National Assembly adopted Senate amendments by 226 votes to 41, paving the way for Presidential assent.
Minister Soda said the constitutional amendment will strengthen State institutions, improve policy continuity and provide a more coherent governance framework by addressing electoral cycles.
He said the enactment of the law was not the conclusion of the constitutional reform process but the beginning of a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s democratic journey.
“CAA3 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.
Minister Soda urged Zimbabweans to embrace the new constitutional dispensation and work together in advancing national development.
“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,” he said.
