‘CAB3 is constitutional fraud’ — Harare West MP tells Parliament, warns Bill promotes patronage, bribery and allows unpopular candidate become President

Harare West MP Joanna Mamombe criticized the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill Number 3 (CAB3) in Parliament, calling it a threat to democracy. She argued that the bill undermines the people's right to choose leaders and concentrates power in the Executive. Mamombe highlighted that the bill moves voter registration from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Registrar-General, weakening electoral independence. She also criticized provisions that allow Parliament to elect the President, which she said could lead to corruption and favoritism. The bill's extension of presidential terms and increased executive control over the Senate were also condemned. Mamombe emphasized that the people should have a say in altering the Constitution through a referendum. She urged Parliament to reject CAB3 entirely.

The bill's provisions risk concentrating power in the executive and undermining democratic processes, making it a critical issue for Zimbabwe's governance.