Churches insist on referendum for CAB3

The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) has called for a national referendum before Parliament proceeds with the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), arguing that the changes would fundamentally alter the country’s 2013 Constitution.

In a detailed submission to Parliament, ZHOCD, comprising the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) and UDACIZA, said any amendments affecting presidential elections, term limits and constitutional commissions must be approved directly by citizens.

The church leaders described the 2013 Constitution as a people-driven covenant that cannot be amended without broad public consent. They argued that the proposed changes go beyond technical adjustments and instead reshape the architecture of governance and accountability in Zimbabwe.

“We therefore make our submission clear that the fundamental changes proposed by the Constitution Amendment Bill 3 (CAB3) cannot be legitimately passed without a referendum,” the bishops said.

“Constitutional amendments are permissible, but amendments that alter the foundational architecture of the state, especially those concerning elections, leadership term length, electoral governance, judicial independence and constitutional commissions, demand the highest threshold of legitimacy.”

ZHOCD specifically objected to proposals affecting presidential elections and the extension of terms for public office bearers. It argued that replacing direct presidential elections with a vote by a joint sitting of Parliament would undermine popular sovereignty.

“The church submits that this is a foundational alteration of the 2013 constitutional architecture and cannot be justified as a mere procedural adjustment. If ever considered, it requires direct consent of the people through a national referendum. The attempt to override the limitations and constitutional safeguards in Section 328(7) must be subjected to a national referendum,” the bishops said.

The church leaders also argued that Parliament and Cabinet are conflicted because they stand to benefit from some of the proposed amendments, particularly the extension of electoral terms from five to seven years.

They called for the establishment of an Independent Constitution Amendment Body (ICAB) to oversee any future constitutional reform process and ensure transparency, public education and credible consultations.