Endai kupage kwa tafadzwa re matrix munoona mu comment section yaramba zvisina basa3,2k comments dzerutuko chete nhasi adenha magohe always talks and is open about which team he supports , nyaya dzematrix distracted peopleYou myt be under pressure from somwhere but this myt impact your hustleSo if you were running a poll based on your comment section what do you think would be the result?welcome the opportunity to make a submission on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013) is a product of a long and painful historical struggle, reflecting the aspirations of Zimbabweans for democratic governance, equality, and self-determination. It is not merely a legal instrument but a social contract grounded in the sacrifices of the liberation struggle.
Any proposed amendment must therefore be approached with caution, ensuring that both the letter and spirit of the Constitution as well as the historical values underpinning it are preserved.
Zimbabwe’s constitutional democracy is rooted in the rejection of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (1965) by the government of Ian Smith, which denied the majority population political participation.
The liberation struggle was fought, at great human cost, to establish universal suffrage, political equality, and the principle of 'one person, one vote.'
Many Zimbabweans lost their lives in pursuit of a system where leaders derive legitimacy directly from the people.
A move away from direct election risks undermining the very democratic gains for which the liberation struggle was fought.
The 2013 Constitution establishes direct election of the President, universal adult suffrage, and accountability of leadership to citizens.
Changing this framework would alter the source of executive legitimacy, weaken direct democratic participation, and fundamentally reshape Zimbabwe’s constitutional architecture.
Such a change should require approval by referendum in line with Section 328.
Section 328(7) provides that amendments extending the length of time a person may hold office as President must not benefit the incumbent.
Even where amendments are framed procedurally, their practical effect must be scrutinised.
If the effect is to extend tenure, delay elections, or indirectly benefit a sitting office holder, this risks violating both the letter and intent of the Constitution.
The Constitution recognises the important role of traditional leaders (chiefs) as custodians of culture, arbiters of disputes, and leaders within rural communities.
Allowing or encouraging traditional leaders to participate in partisan politics risks undermining their neutrality, eroding community trust, and compromising their role as fair and impartial decision-makers.
This is comparable to the judiciary entering partisan politics, which would undermine public confidence in justice systems.
Traditional leaders must remain non-partisan custodians of customary law and community cohesion.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission plays a critical role in promoting gender equality, addressing discrimination, and advancing women’s rights.
This is particularly important in a society shaped by patriarchal norms where women face structural inequalities.
Despite limited financial resources, the Commission contributes to awareness, policy development, and gender justice.
Reforms should strengthen and adequately resource such institutions.
The Constitution is built upon popular sovereignty, accountability, and safeguards against concentration of power.
Parliament cannot substitute the direct will of the people in matters that fundamentally alter democratic structure.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe represents the outcome of a liberation struggle, the aspirations of its people, and a commitment to democratic governance.
Amendments must protect, not dilute, democratic participation.
Historical principles such as 'one person, one vote' must remain central.
Institutions promoting equality and justice must be strengthened.
Traditional leadership must remain politically neutral.
1. Any amendment affecting presidential election or tenure be subjected to a national referendum.
2. Section 328 protections be strictly upheld to prevent incumbent benefit.
3. The role of traditional leaders remain non-partisan.
4. Constitutional commissions be strengthened and resourced
