Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Douglas Mwonzora has written to the Speaker of Parliament demanding that Members of Parliament vote by secret ballot on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, citing fears of intimidation and violence surrounding the proposed constitutional changes.
The demand comes as Parliament prepares for the Bill’s final stages in the coming days amid growing political contestation over the controversial amendments.
Speaking on the development, Mwonzora said the request for a secret ballot was necessary to protect legislators from possible coercion and political pressure.
“Yesterday I wrote to the Hon. Speaker of Parliament to request that the voting by MPs on CAB3 be by secret ballot. This follows violence meted on opponents of the Bill during the public hearings. No one will lose anything if voting is by secret ballot,” Mwonzora said.
While secret ballots are not commonly used for parliamentary voting in Zimbabwe, Mwonzora’s request reflects growing tensions within the political environment around the proposed amendments.
According to MDC Presidential Spokesperson, Llyod Damba, Mwonzora formally wrote two letters on 18 May 2026, one to the Clerk of Parliament outlining the party’s position on the amendment bill and another to the Speaker of Parliament requesting the secret ballot process.
Damba said Mwonzora was acting both in his capacity as MDC leader and as one of the co-authors of the 2013 Constitution, which the opposition party argues is being undermined by the proposed amendments.
“The letter is voicing concern over constitutional and legal concerns over CAB 3 ahead of the Bill’s final parliamentary stage,” Damba said.
“The submissions focus on the Bill’s implications for executive accountability, separation of powers, and the original intent of the 2013 constitutional settlement.”
The letters were hand-delivered to Parliament on Monday afternoon by Damba, MDC Deputy Chief of Staff, Chengetai Guta and the party’s Deputy National Chairperson, Senator Voice Chinake.
Damba described the correspondence as a formal parliamentary submission meant to place the MDC’s objections to the Bill on record.
“This is a formal record of the MDC’s position, delivered through the correct parliamentary channels,” he said.
He added that the party expected Parliament to seriously consider the submission “given Senator Mwonzora’s direct role in drafting the constitution that is now mutilated for selfish gains.”
The amendment bill 3 has generated heated debate across the political divide, with many accusing the government of attempting to weaken democratic safeguards embedded in the 2013 Constitution.
Among the concerns raised by citizens are allegations that the amendments could consolidate executive power and weaken institutional checks and balances.
Mwonzora has consistently opposed the proposed constitutional changes since last year, arguing that the amendment process itself has been flawed and inconsistent with constitutional principles.
“MDC President Mwonzora has been vocal from last year about the constitutional amendments and the process used at the parliamentary hearings leading to the substance of CAB 3, arguing that any amendment must respect the limits and safeguards built into the 2013 Constitution,” Damba said.
The MDC’s demand for a secret ballot also comes after Zimbabweans witnessed intimidation and violence during public hearings on the Bill held in different parts of the country.
Opposition parties and civic society organisations previously raised concern that disruptions at some hearings undermined public participation and free expression.
The ruling Zanu PF party has defended the Bill, arguing that constitutional amendments are part of an evolving governance process and are conducted within legal parliamentary procedures.
However, opposition parties and constitutional watchdog groups have warned against changes, stating these could alter the balance of power crafted in the 2013 Constitution, which emerged from negotiations following Zimbabwe’s Government of National Unity.
Damba said the MDC would publicly release the contents of the letters once Parliament formally acknowledges receipt of the correspondence.
“We would like to reiterate that we will release the letter publicly once it has been formally received and acknowledged by Parliament,” he said.
“We will update you on this matter once Parliament acknowledges receipt of the correspondences.”
Parliament is expected to proceed with debate and voting on the amendment bill in the coming days.
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