Harare, (New Ziana) – Cabinet has adopted sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at recalibrating the country’s governance framework, enhancing political stability and improving the efficiency of State institutions, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Addressing journalists at the first post-Cabinet media briefing of 2026 on Tuesday, Dr Muswere said the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, 2026 forms part of the country’s continuing legal evolution, drawing from governance experience, developmental needs and comparative African constitutional practice.
He said the Bill seeks to strengthen constitutional governance, clarify institutional roles, promote political stability and modernise aspects of the Constitution to ensure a more resilient and effective State architecture.
“The primary objectives of the Bill are to enhance political stability and policy continuity to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion, clarify institutional mandates and eliminate functional overlaps that undermine efficiency and accountability,” Dr Muswere said.
He added that the proposed amendments also aim to strengthen democratic structures through the rationalisation of electoral and oversight institutions, align Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework with contemporary African constitutional models, and promote long-term national stability, inclusivity and public confidence in constitutional institutions.
One of the most far-reaching proposals is contained in Clause 2, which repeals Section 92 of the Constitution and introduces a Parliamentary process for electing the President.
Under the new framework, a Presidential candidate would be required to secure a majority of votes in Parliament, with provision for a run-off election if no candidate achieves an absolute majority.
The process would be overseen by the Chief Justice or a designated judge to ensure fairness, openness and judicial oversight, with procedures guided by Parliament’s Standing Rules and Orders.
The Bill also proposes extending the term of office for the President and Parliament from five to seven years, through amendments to Sections 95, 143 and 158.
According to Dr Muswere, the reform is intended to reduce election-related disruptions, enhance policy continuity, allow adequate time for the implementation of long-term national projects, and promote political and economic stability.
In a move to strengthen the legal standing of the Attorney-General’s Office, Clause 5 amends Section 114(3) of the Constitution by raising the qualification threshold for appointment of the Attorney-General from High Court to Supreme Court level.
Dr Muswere said the amendment reflects institutional coherence, given that Deputy Attorneys-General are now ranked at the equivalent of High Court judges.
Parliamentary composition is also set to change under Clause 6, which allows the President to appoint ten additional senators, increasing the total number from 80 to 90.
The expansion is aimed at broadening technical expertise within Parliament, enhancing oversight, expanding the pool of potential Ministers and promoting national cohesion.
Significant reforms are proposed in the electoral sphere. Clauses 9, 10 and 11 establish a new Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission, transferring the function of delimiting electoral boundaries from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Dr Muswere said the change addresses concerns over institutional overlap and perceived conflicts arising from ZEC’s dual mandate, while promoting good governance, integrity and functional specialisation.
Further electoral administration reforms are contained in Clauses 12 and 16, which repeal Sections 239(c) to (e) and transfer responsibility for voter registration, the voters’ roll and its custody from ZEC to the Registrar-General.
The move, he said, is intended to improve efficiency, as the Registrar-General is the custodian of vital civil registration information.
Judicial appointment procedures are also affected, with Clause 14 repealing Sections 180(4), (4a) and (5), effectively removing the interview process for judicial appointments.
In the security sector, Clause 15 amends Section 212 of the Constitution by replacing the phrase “to uphold the Constitution” with “in accordance with the Constitution” in defining the functions of the Defence Forces.
Dr Muswere said the amendment reinforces the provisions of Sections 213 and 214, which govern the conduct and accountability of the security services.
The Bill further proposes institutional consolidation in the area of human rights oversight.
Clause 17 repeals Part 4 of Chapter 12 of the Constitution, dissolving the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and transferring its functions to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
The amendment is intended to consolidate oversight of human rights, including gender equality, under a single institution to enhance efficiency, coherence and effectiveness.
Dr Muswere said the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill reflects Government’s commitment to refining Zimbabwe’s constitutional order in line with national development objectives and evolving governance realities, while safeguarding stability and public confidence in State institutions.
New Ziana