Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has issued a powerful rejection of the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), warning that the legislation would weaken democratic institutions, concentrate executive power, and undermine the nation’s progress.
In a statement released on Monday, 13 April 2026, the umbrella body representing multiple Christian denominations called on lawmakers to withdraw the Bill or subject it to significant revision, arguing that it poses a direct risk to the country’s democratic future.
“Morally Indefensible Before God”
The ZCC did not mince words in its condemnation, framing its opposition on moral, ethical and theological grounds.
“On moral, ethical, and theological grounds, the Church cannot support an amendment that compromises public trust, weakens democratic accountability, and diverges from God’s will for just and compassionate leadership.”
“It is morally indefensible before God for leaders to silence the people’s voices in this manner.”
The statement represents one of the strongest rebukes of CAB3 from Zimbabwe’s religious community, which has historically played a significant role in national political discourse.
Strong Institutions vs. Prolonged Incumbency
The council argued that long-term development depends on strong institutions rather than extended tenures for individual leaders.
“Long-term development depends on strong institutions rather than prolonged incumbency.”
The ZCC further warned that the Bill protects elites while weakening the accountability mechanisms that are essential for good governance and performance.
“The Bill protects elites while weakening accountability mechanisms essential for performance and governance.”
Corruption Warning
Perhaps most strikingly, the ZCC linked the proposed amendments directly to corruption risks, warning that weakening transparency systems could have devastating consequences.
“Weakening systems designed to ensure transparency could fuel corruption and enable the unchecked accumulation of wealth by those in power.”
What CAB3 Proposes
The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (2026) contains several sweeping changes:
End of Direct Presidential Elections
The Bill proposes moving away from a direct popular vote for the President. Instead, the President would be elected by a joint sitting of Parliament (the Senate and National Assembly), requiring only a simple majority of more than 50% of MPs to win.
Term Extension
The Bill seeks to extend the term of office for the President, Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years – effectively prolonging the lifespan of current and future governments.
More Presidential Appointments
It proposes increasing the number of Senators from 80 to 90, with the extra 10 seats appointed directly by the President on the basis of “professional skills and expertise.”
Growing Opposition
The ZCC joins a growing chorus of opposition to CAB3, which includes:
· Legal experts Lovemore Madhuku and Tendai Biti
· Opposition figures Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume
· The Defend the Constitution Platform (including Jameson Timba)
· Civil society organisations
· Citizens at home and abroad
· Various church groups
Notably absent from public opposition has been former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, whose silence on the Bill has fuelled speculation and criticism.
At a Glance: ZCC’s Key Objections
Concern ZCC Position
Democratic accountability Bill weakens it
Executive power Bill concentrates it
Institutional strength Prolonged incumbency undermines it
Corruption risk Weakened transparency fuels it
Public trust Amendment compromises it
Moral grounds “Indefensible before God”
What Happens Next?
The ZCC has called on lawmakers to either withdraw the Bill entirely or significantly revise it to address these fundamental concerns.
With parliamentary hearings already descending into chaos – including the recent assault of lawyer Douglas Coltart – the Bill faces intense scrutiny and public pushback.
Whether the ruling party will heed the church’s moral appeal remains to be seen.
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