The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference has warned that several provisions in the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, could weaken independent institutions and erode public confidence in governance systems.
In a submission to Parliament made on Tuesday, ZCBC president Bishop Rev Raymond Mupandasekwa said the proposed amendments threaten the independence of electoral, judicial and constitutional bodies that are central to democracy and accountability.
The Conference opposed Clauses nine to 12, which seek to transfer voter registration and management of the voters’ roll away from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
“The voters’ roll is not merely an administrative register, it is the foundational instrument of democratic participation. Public confidence in its impartial management is therefore essential,” said Bishop Mupandasekwa.
The bishops said weakening ZEC’s authority risks undermining confidence in electoral processes and democratic legitimacy. The church also rejected Clause 14, which proposes changes to judicial appointments by reducing the role of the Judicial Service Commission and increasing presidential discretion.
“Public interviews and Judicial Service Commission (JSC) shortlisting processes are not procedural technicalities, they are constitutional safeguards intended to protect the Judiciary from excessive executive influence,” Bishop Mupandasekwa said.
The Conference warned that the proposed changes may weaken judicial independence and public trust in the courts.
Bishop Mupandasekwa also opposed the proposed abolition of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC).
“The abolition of the NPRC without a clear and credible replacement mechanism risks undermining ongoing reconciliation processes and weakening Zimbabwe’s commitment to justice and national healing,” he said.
On the Gender Commission, the bishops said removing a dedicated constitutional body for gender equality risks weakening the protection of women’s rights.