Zimbabwe: Civic Society Organisations Insist On Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 Referendum

A COALITION of civil society organisations has rejected the contentious Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 (CAB3), insisting that the proposed changes be put to a national referendum.

In a communiqué issued following the People's Summit held in Harare Saturday, delegates declared that the Constitution remains "the supreme expression of the people's will" and warned against any attempts to alter it through what they described as manipulation and inadequate public participation.

"We, the people, reject CAB3 in its current form because it threatens constitutional democracy, accountable governance, the separation of powers, gender equality, and the democratic gains secured through decades of struggle and sacrifice," the communiqué reads.

The summit brought together representatives from labour movements, civic organisations, student groups, socialists, rural communities and constitutional advocacy groups to deliberate on the implications of the proposed amendment.

Participants argued that CAB3, which among other issues seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term from five to seven years, could weaken democratic safeguards and consolidate executive authority at the expense of constitutional checks and balances.

"Our Constitution is more than a legal document. It is our national covenant, forged through sacrifice, struggle, dialogue and hope," the delegates said.

A major point of contention was the way parliamentary public consultations on CAB3 were conducted.

The summit accused authorities of presiding over a flawed process marked by intimidation and violence.

"We expressed deep concern over the manner in which public consultations on CAB3 were conducted and represented by Parliament. They were marred by violence, intimidation, kidnappings and death threats," the statement said.

The gathering also challenged official claims about public submissions on the bill, describing them as misleading.

"We are outraged by the government's fabricated claim that, out of more than 500,000 public submissions, only a mere 3,000 objections were recorded. Statistically and logically, this is a gross distortion," the communiqué stated.

Delegates insisted that if the government is confident the proposed amendments enjoy public support, it should put the matter to a referendum.

"If there exists genuine confidence that the proposed amendments enjoy overwhelming public support, then the most democratic path remains clear - allow the people themselves to decide through a free and fair national referendum. Truth fears no scrutiny," the summit resolved.

Beyond