HARARE, Jun. 3 (NewsDay Live) — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has threatened nationwide resistance, including court challenges and citizen-led action, if the controversial Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3) is enacted.
The warning came after Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi introduced the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill for its First Reading in the National Assembly on Tuesday. The bill subsequently advanced to the Second Reading stage, where lawmakers began debating its principles.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend several constitutional provisions, including those relating to the structure of the judiciary, the management of elections and executive authority.
Presenting the bill, Ziyambi said the proposed changes, including seven-year terms and a parliamentary system for electing the president, were necessary to promote national stability and policy continuity.
But MDC presidential spokesperson Lloyd Damba accused Zanu PF of attempting to undermine constitutional democracy and consolidate power.
“CAB3 is about one-man rule, a Mutapa Empire built on fear, not consent,” Damba said in a statement.
“The MDC condemns CAB3 in the strongest terms. We will not beg for our rights. We will fight in the courts, in the media and on every platform.”
Damba warned that the opposition would intensify its response if the bill becomes law.
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“Once this bill is signed into law, expect a strong, united and relentless response from the MDC and the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
He further alleged that the proposed amendments were designed to manipulate future elections and weaken democratic safeguards.
“These are not amendments. They are tools to rig elections before a single ballot is printed,” Damba said.
He also accused the government of seeking to increase political influence over traditional leaders and electoral processes.
The bill has drawn criticism from legal experts and civil society organisations, which argue that it could weaken independent institutions and concentrate power in the executive.
Despite the opposition, Zanu PF lawmakers are expected to use their parliamentary majority to push the legislation through the remaining stages of the legislative process.
