Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
CONSTITUTIONAL law experts say the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill of 2026 — approved by Cabinet last week — represents a set of structural governance reforms aimed at enhancing political stability, improving institutional efficiency and creating a more predictable framework for long-term national development.
The proposed amendments include extending Presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, introducing an indirect parliamentary system for electing the President and implementing a range of institutional changes intended to streamline governance structures and clarify constitutional roles.
Legal analysts argue that the reforms are designed to reduce electoral tensions, strengthen policy continuity and provide the Government with sufficient time to implement long-term development programmes.
One of the most significant proposals is the introduction of a parliamentary method for electing the President.
Under the proposed system, legislators would elect the President by an absolute majority vote, with the Chief Justice presiding over the process.
This model mirrors aspects of the South African system, where the National Assembly elects the president after general elections.
Experts say the indirect election of the President could reduce recurring disputes that have historically surrounded Zimbabwe’s Presidential polls, which opposition parties have frequently challenged, even where parliamentary election outcomes were largely accepted.
Advocate James Makiya said extending term limits could help foster policy continuity and investor confidence.
“The big one is the extension of Presidential and parliamentary terms because it gives Government sufficient time to plan and implement long-term policies, which is critical for economic stability and building investor confidence,” he said.
“There will also be political stability because constant election cycles often create unnecessary tensions. Longer terms allow leadership to focus on development rather than continuous campaigning.”
Reducing the frequency of elections, Adv Makiya added, could lower administrative costs and minimise disruptions associated with electoral cycles, allowing resources to be redirected towards development.
Another constitutional law expert, Advocate Joshua Chirambwe, said the proposed amendments could promote stability by reducing what he termed “election mode toxicity”.
“Longer terms may reduce constant campaigning and what Government calls election mode toxicity,” he said.
“Electing the President through Parliament could lower election costs and reduce nationwide political tensions. Parliamentary election of a President can align Executive and legislative agendas, potentially improving policy efficiency.”
Under the current Constitution, the President is directly elected by voters through a nationwide ballot and serves a five-year term.
The proposed changes would replace this system with a parliamentary election model, which proponents argue broadens leadership competition and ensures smoother transitions.
“Supporters argue the reforms harmonise Zimbabwe’s governance system with countries that use indirect presidential elections,” added Adv Chirambwe.
“If implemented transparently, the amendments could create a more predictable executive selection process and accelerate decision-making through closer alignment between the Executive and Legislature.”
Constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku, however, emphasised the need for broad-based national consultation before final adoption.
“The country’s Constitution is a special document, and these amendments require extensive public discussion,” he said.
Advocate Brighton Masilo expressed support for the proposals, saying they could bring long-term stability by reducing recurring electoral disputes.
