ZCBC bishops urge MPs to reject constitutional bill

Zimbabwe's Catholic bishops drop a fiery warning that the proposed constitutional tweaks hand power straight to the elite.

Bishops blast bill as power grab from citizens

• Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference slams Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill 2026.
• Seven bishops signed a March 19 pastoral letter urging MPs to kill it on moral grounds.

Direct elections and term limits get gutted

• Scrapping presidential votes hands executive control away from ordinary Zimbabweans.
• Stretching parliamentary and presidential terms to seven years without new approval kills democratic trust.

Referendum dodge sparks huge red flags

• Bill skips Section 328(7) referendum rule meant to block incumbents from extending their own time.
• Bishops call this blatant contradiction that shreds constitutional safeguards.

Independent bodies face partisan takeover risks

• President grabs tighter grip on picking judges and Prosecutor General.
• Voters’ roll plus delimitation powers shift off Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
• Traditional chiefs gain room to play political favorites under new rules.

MPs get scripture-backed conscience call

• Bishops plead with parliamentarians and senators to resist bribes threats or promises.
• Truth prevails so let conscience rule and reject changes that mute the people's voice.

Real change needs public vote

• If amendments actually help the nation people deserve to approve them directly.
• Wide talks plus referendum must happen to keep the Constitution truly in citizens' hands.