Constitutional changes will end polarising elections: Togarepi

Harare Bureau

CONSTITUTIONAL Amendment No. 3 Bill of 2026 is a necessary step towards consolidating national development and addressing long standing governance challenges, and ruling party legislators stand ready to pass it once it is brought before Parliament, Zanu-PF Chief Whip Cde Pupurai Togarepi has said.

In a statement yesterday, Cde Togarepi said that as the party holding a two thirds parliamentary majority, and as sponsors of the Bill, “we are proud to oversee the legal processes that will culminate in the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3”.

“It goes without saying that we will okay this very progressive Bill, which represents the culmination of years of listening to the people and understanding the impediments to our national development,” he said.

Cde Togarepi said the proposed amendments amounted to a comprehensive response to governance shortcomings that had affected the country over many years.

He said the amendments would address “the bane of contested and polarising election outcomes that have been weaponised to divide our nation since 1980, but became more pronounced post-2000”.

“It is trite that as we speak, some losing presidential candidates still dispute the outcome of the 2018 and 2023 elections, choosing to litigate in the media rather than accept the sovereign will of the people. This amendment therefore cures that by aligning us with progressive global best practice,” said the Zanu-PF Chief Whip.

The proposed amendments include extending the terms of the President and Parliament from five to seven years, introducing an indirect parliamentary system for electing the President, and making institutional reforms to enhance governance and clarify constitutional roles.

In addition, once the changes are implemented and the Electoral Act updated, Zimbabweans living abroad will gain the right to vote in national elections.

“The election of the President will be done by Parliament, putting us in the same league as other stable democracies like South Africa and Botswana. This model cuts the enormous costs of nationwide presidential campaigns — a drain on the fiscus — and minimises the toxicity that has characterised previous elections.

“Here, the people still have their voice and their vote, but they exercise it through their elected representatives in Parliament, whom they trust to make that crucial choice, this was the same scenario in 1980, it was one man one vote, giving blacks an equal say in the affairs of their nation.

“As the ruling party legislators, we carry the mandate of the people; these are the people who came with Resolution Number 1 in Bulawayo to effect these constitutional changes,” said Cde Togarepi.

He said legislators welcomed the developments being led by President Mnangagwa, adding that the public had clearly expressed its support for constitutional amendments.

“During our recent engagements across the country, communities have been resolute on this issue. They told us that frequent elections disrupt development, especially in rural areas. Limited resources that should be channelled towards clinics, roads and water provision are often diverted towards campaign cycles. Our people have stated plainly that they prefer a stable environment, where funds and attention are focused on improving livelihoods rather than perpetual political cycles,” he said.

On financial implications, Cde Togarepi said short political terms undermined continuity and slowed progress.
“We need continuity. The people we represent require that security for their future. The stop-start development caused by constant elections retards progress. We need sustained and consistent development to complete the transformative projects we have begun under the Second Republic,” he said.

Cde Togarepi highlighted key milestones achieved under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“Since 2017 and more robustly under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, we have witnessed unprecedented development. This is not mere rhetoric; the facts are undeniable. The economy is on a sustained growth trajectory, with our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding from US$20 billion in 2017 to US$52 billion by 2025.

“Our currency has stabilised, with inflation now anchored at 4,1 percent, bringing predictability back to the lives of our people. Food security is guaranteed, thanks to programmes like Pfumvudza, and key sectors such as agriculture and mining are booming, with record performances in gold, tobacco and wheat production,” he said.

The people of Zimbabwe, Cde Togarepi said, had mandated legislators to support the reforms, reflected in the parliamentary majority they secured. He added that the business community also backed the amendments for the stability they would bring.

“The people of Zimbabwe have given us a clear mandate to govern and to develop. Constitutional Amendment No. 3 is the next logical step in that journey, ensuring political stability, policy continuity and the consolidation of the undeniable developmental gains we have made under the Second Republic. We will not be swayed by the voices of a few detractors; we will deliver on the mandate given to us by the majority,” said Cde Togarepi.

He dismissed claims of a “constitutional coup”, saying such criticism was meant to mislead the public.
The amendments, he said, would strengthen democracy in practical terms.

“For the first time, by moving the presidential vote to Parliament, we are able to address the long-standing demand of Zimbabweans in the diaspora.”

Cde Togarepi said the Bill would also strengthen institutional frameworks.
“By establishing a distinct Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission and transferring the custody of the voters’ roll to the Registrar-General’s Office, we are addressing concerns of institutional overlap and ensuring functional specialisation and integrity in our electoral processes. These are not the actions of a Government seeking to entrench power, but of a responsible administration refining its systems for efficiency and good governance,” he said.