On February 10, 2026, the Cabinet approved the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3), a pivotal legislative step that was followed by its official gazetting a week later. This has initiated a 90-day public consultation period, centering largely on the proposed amendment to Section 92, which seeks to transform how the nation selects its Head of State.
The Proposed Mechanism
The core of this amendment is a shift from a direct public vote to a parliamentary election process. Under the new framework, the President would be elected by Members of Parliament (MPs) in a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly following general elections. To succeed, a candidate must secure more than half of the valid votes cast. In instances where no candidate achieves this majority, a run-off between the top two contenders will be held. To ensure transparency and legality, the process will be presided over by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission or a designated judge, strictly adhering to Parliament's Standing Rules and Orders.
Addressing the Critique
While critics have labeled this change as a form of disenfranchisement that undermines the principle of "one man, one vote," such claims are patently false and misleading. Much of the opposition appears rooted in political positioning rather than a clear reading of constitutional law.
Groups such as the "Defend the Constitution Platform" have circulated alarmist rhetoric that fails to explain the actual function of the clause, seeking to stir emotion rather than provide clarity. Similarly, figures like Tendai Biti have condemned the Bill as a "power grab," while social media personalities like Fadzai Mahere have focused on visibility over constitutional reality. Even smaller groupings, such as the United Zimbabwe Alliance, have gone as far as calling it a "constitutional coup." These arguments overlook a fundamental fact: citizens still vote directly for their MPs, who serve as accountable representatives empowered to carry out this constitutional duty.
A Global Tradition of Parliamentary Sovereignty
This reform is not an outlier; it aligns Zimbabwe with respected international precedents. In Botswana, the President emerges from parliamentary processes, while in Germany and India, executive selection is vested in legislatures or electoral colleges. This shift moves Zimbabwe toward a tradition that prioritizes institutional accountability over the volatility of personality-centric contests. The goals are clear: aligning electoral cycles, improving procedural efficiency, and focusing on policy continuity and development rather than perpetual campaign mobilization.
A Democratic Refinement
Far from being a retreat from democracy, this amendment represents a recalibration of democratic agency. By moving toward a system that strengthens parliamentary sovereignty, every party with seats in the house becomes part of the presidential selection calculus. MPs act as constitutional delegates, ensuring the electorate remains substantively represented. Ultimately, the parliamentary election of the President is a legitimate and accountability-enhancing method that refines our democratic practice for a more stable future.
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