By Staff Reporter
THE regional watchdog Southern African Centre for Defence and Aerospace (SACDA) slammed Zimbabwe’s proposed constitutional changes as a major step backward for democracy, warning they set a bad precedent for the SADC region.
Zimbabwe is pushing through the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB3). It proposes extending presidential, parliamentary, and local authority terms from five to seven years.
“In Zimbabwe, constitutional changes extending incumbents’ terms and weakening direct presidential accountability represent democratic regression, “stated the regional watchdog.
It aims to replace direct presidential elections with selection by a joint sitting of Parliament. Critics and observers note the changes sideline previous succession timelines—such as affecting Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s projected path—and instead lean toward prolonged incumbency under the “ED2030” banner.
SACDA pointed out that these maneuvers echo troubling trends elsewhere in Southern Africa, like in the DRC, calling them a constitutional coup in disguise.
“Constitutions should regulate power, not be reshaped to suit whoever currently holds it. Amendments that materially benefit incumbents should never proceed without meaningful public consultation and direct popular approval,” said the watchdog.
Civil society groups, church leaders (like the ZHOCD and ZCC), and student unions (ZINASU) have heavily criticized the bill, arguing it bypasses necessary referendums and weakens public accountability.
State authorities maintain that the updates are meant to modernize governance and ensure policy stability.
