The former chairperson of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) America and leader of the Diaspora Vote Campaign, Dan Moyo, has criticised the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill 3 (CAB3), saying it undermines constitutionalism and democratic governance.
Speaking on CITE View, Moyo said the proposed amendments would significantly alter Zimbabwe’s political landscape and reinforce perceptions that the country does not respect its constitution.
“This will change the shape of Zimbabwean politics, business and everything included. It will further solidify the narrative that Zimbabwe is a lawless country where constitutions are not respected,” he said.
Moyo said Zimbabweans in the diaspora had contributed to the drafting of the 2013 Constitution and expressed concern that the current proposals depart from principles agreed during nationwide consultations.
“In 2013 we held several consultative meetings with Zimbabweans on what they wanted to see in the constitution, and they were clear,” he said.
“One of the issues that got us into trouble with Mugabe was that the previous constitution was not clear on presidential term limits. In the 2013 Constitution we made sure the President would serve two five-year terms.”
He argued that any change to presidential term limits should be subjected to a referendum.
“For that to change, there has to be a referendum. You have to go back to the people who gave you the mandate,” he said.
Moyo added that the incumbent president should not benefit from any constitutional amendments.
“The current incumbent should not benefit from amendments to the constitution. CAB3 violates the norms and principles of the constitution we came up with,” he said.
He also alleged that citizens were reluctant to debate the proposed amendments openly because of political intimidation.
“When this issue comes up, people are not free to speak about CAB3. We have seen cases of opposition figures being assaulted or harassed, so citizens are afraid,” he said.
Moyo further accused some legislators of prioritising personal interests over public concerns, claiming that Members of Parliament had been influenced by financial incentives linked to the proposed amendments. He provided no evidence to support the allegations.
“You cannot change such an important provision through a few individuals in Parliament,” he said.
He criticised some opposition legislators aligned to Sengezo Tshabangu, accusing them of supporting the amendments for political gain.
Moyo also alleged that public hearings on the Bill were manipulated to favour supporters of the amendments.
“If citizens’ contributions were taken seriously, we would have seen changes in the approach. Instead, it appears that public input is being ignored,” he said.
He insisted that if Parliament passed the Bill without a referendum, some citizens would question its legitimacy.
“This is a significant amendment and should be subjected to a referendum,” he said.
Moyo urged Zimbabweans to become more actively engaged in national affairs.
“It is time for citizens to speak up about the issues affecting the country, from schools and hospitals to roads and public services,” he said.