“The Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) expresses grave concern over leaked proposals reportedly authored by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, which he is expected to present to Cabinet during its first sitting of the year today. If confirmed, these proposals amount to a systematic and dangerous mutilation of the 2013 Constitution, representing a direct assault on the people’s will as expressed through a national referendum.
Key Proposed Amendments and Their Implications
The reported proposals include:
1. Parliament electing the President
Extension of the Presidential term to 7 years
2. Presidential appointment of 10 Senators
3. Transfer of the voters’ roll to the Registrar-General
4. Removal of delimitation from ZEC through a new commission
5. Scrapping public interviews for judicial appointments
6. Weakening the Defence Forces’ constitutional duty by removing the obligation to uphold the Constitution
7. Abolition of the Gender Commission
Taken together, these proposals:
*Concentrate power in the Executive.
*Weaken electoral integrity.
*Undermine judicial independence.
*Erode civilian oversight of the security sector.
*Roll back hard-won gender equality protections.
*Strip citizens of democratic participation.
This is not reform. It is constitutional regression” (Constitution Defenders Forum – ‘CDF STATEMENT ON LEAKED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSALS, 10.02.2026).
The truth is now getting out. There is no rumours or speculations on the matter. The reality is now evident. Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) intends to prolong their reign and give the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa further time in office. This by technicalities and amending the constitution.
That’s why Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi proposed Memorandum will go through Parliament and will be in the end enacted. This is just procedure and the ZANU-PF have the full majority in the Parliament. So, it will be a cake walk to get it enacted and get the President to sign it into law. That’s what is up.
The people are now taken for granted and useful pawns for the ZANU-PF. They are ensuring the Executive or the Head of State will become more powerful and doesn’t have to be elected by the people. Meanwhile giving the President a longer term and such too. All of these amendments are made to weaken the state, but strengthen the Executive. That’s it and his given vast powers without any checks-or-balances.
This here should be a concern. Not only that ZANU-PF is ensuring longevity of Mnangagwa, but also changes the way that the President is voting in. As the ZANU-PF are ensuring themselves the majority and amends the laws in regards to voter rolls too. Every piece of this legislation is to entrench the ZANU-PF and give it more powers. Which is why they will favour this one and vote it in. There is nothing for ZANU-PF to lose here and they only have the upper hand doing so. They get everything and there is no reason to not go for it.
Yes, the public gets screwed over by this and they are losing ways to hold the Executive accountable. These sorts of amendments only enlarge and ensure the President more control of the state. They are giving the Executive more instruments of the state and his also guarded by the Parliament. A Parliament that is already beholden to him and will serve him. That’s the gist of it and it’s tragic.
Zimbabwe deserve better than this. This is the start of ruling by decree and presidential orders, instead of proper legislation and such. It is just the first step to give the President absolute power and without any hurdles for him.
What is happening here is a gift to the President. The Crocodile is getting everything and can eat. The President can be joyful and be happy. Mnangagwa is getting ahead and having loyal subjects surrounding him in ZANU-PF. The Party is serving him and giving him the platter. It is Mnangagwa’s time to eat and he will have a lavish meal too. Peace.
MinBane 