Monday 23 March 2026
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Church Leaders Warn of ‘Erosion of Democratic Sovereignty’ and Call on MPs to Reject ‘Power Grab’
Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s Catholic Bishops have issued a powerful and unflinching pastoral message rejecting the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, warning that the changes would dismantle democratic accountability, weaken independent institutions, and silence the voice of the people.
In a statement signed by the country’s most senior Catholic leaders, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) called for “calm reflection, moral courage, and unwavering honesty” as the nation stands at what they described as a “critical juncture.”
The pastoral message, titled “In Defence of Truth, Justice, and the Voice of the People,” was released on March 19, 2026, and directly challenges the government’s push to extend the presidential term from five to seven years and transfer the power to elect the President from citizens to legislators.
“Our Constitution is more than law; it is a solemn covenant, born from the overwhelming will of Zimbabweans in 2013, embodying our collective hopes for justice, unity, peace, and prosperity,” the bishops stated.
‘The Voice the People Must Remain Supreme’
The Bishops grounded their argument in both sacred wisdom and constitutional principle, asserting that all legitimate authority flows from the people.
“All legitimate authority flows from the people. This truth, rooted in our humanity and echoed in sacred wisdom, was reaffirmed in the 2023 elections, when citizens entrusted leaders with a five-year mandate ending in 2028,” the message read.
The Bishops invoked President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s own words, noting that he has often said “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
“We hold dear this wisdom. To sideline it risks fracturing the bonds of ubuntu/unhu, where true leadership builds up the whole community, not just a part,” they warned.
‘Erosion of Democratic Sovereignty’
In a detailed critique, the bishops outlined three fundamental concerns with the proposed amendments.
First, they condemned the proposal to remove direct elections for the presidency.
“The right to directly elect the President is a core mechanism of citizen sovereignty. Moving this power to Parliament distances executive authority from the popular consent of the people,” they wrote.
Second, they rejected the unilateral extension of terms. “In 2023, you elected representatives for five-year terms. Extending these terms to seven years without seeking a new mandate from the voters undermines democratic legitimacy.”
Third, they highlighted the circumvention of constitutional safeguards. “Section 328(7) of our Constitution explicitly prevents incumbents from benefiting from term extensions. To sidestep this via amendment, without a referendum, creates a ‘glaring contradiction’ and threatens the very existence of our constitutional democracy.”
Warning on Weakening of Independent Institutions
The bishops expressed deep concern that the proposed changes would transform independent institutions into partisan instruments. They warned that increasing presidential control over the appointment of judges and the Prosecutor-General “risks political influence and undermines public trust in justice.”
They also cautioned against transferring responsibilities such as delimitation and the voters’ roll away from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to less independent bodies, which they said “dilutes the transparency required for free and fair elections.”
On the role of traditional leaders, the bishops warned that permitting chiefs to act in a partisan manner “fundamentally alters their role as unifying community leaders.”
Direct Appeal to Parliamentarians: ‘Heed Your Conscience’
In a striking and personal appeal, the bishops addressed Members of Parliament and Senators directly, urging them to reject pressure to support the bill.
“To our Honourable Members of Parliament and Senators, we speak with deep respect and fraternal concern. You bear a sacred duty before God and the nation: to govern for the common good, not personal or partisan gain,” the message stated.
“Pressures—be they bribes, threats, or promises—may tempt you, but hear Christ’s call: ‘Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.'”
The bishops invoked the Shona and Ndebele proverb “Chokwadi chinokunda / iqiniso liyanqoba” — truth prevails — and urged lawmakers to let conscience guide them.
“Let conscience guide you: reject any change that silences the people. History will judge whether you safeguarded their voice or betrayed it. Choose integrity, for ‘love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.'”
Call for Referendum and Citizen Engagement
The bishops argued that if the amendments genuinely serve the nation’s welfare, they should be put to the people through a referendum.
“Matters of such gravity demand transparency, wide consultation, and, where required, a referendum—honouring the Constitution’s own protections. The common good is not imposed from above; it emerges when all contribute, in solidarity and subsidiarity,” they stated.
They called on all citizens to engage responsibly, urging them to “stay informed, speak wisely, and act peacefully” while embodying “truth, justice, and mutual respect—values that transcend creed and unite us as one people.”
Signatories
The pastoral message was signed by the full leadership of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, including:
· Rt. Rev. Raymond Mupandasekwa, C.Ss.R. , Bishop of Masvingo & Administrator of Chinhoyi Diocese – ZCBC President
· Rt. Rev. Rudolf Nyandoro , Bishop of Gweru – ZCBC Vice President
· Rt. Rev. Raphael M.M. Ncube , Bishop of Hwange – ZCBC Secretary & Treasurer
· Most Rev. R.C. Ndlovu , Archbishop of Harare
· Most Rev. Alex Thomas, S.V.D. , Archbishop of Bulawayo
· Rt. Rev. Paul Horan, O. Carm. , Bishop of Mutare
· Rt. Rev. Eusebius J. Nyathi , Bishop of Gokwe
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