The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD), one of the country’s main Christian umbrella bodies, has warned that proposed constitutional amendments pose a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s democratic foundations.
The warning comes as the ZANU PF-led government has begun the process of amending the country’s Constitution through the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026.
In a pastoral statement issued on 27 February 2026, ZHOCD — which represents the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, UDACIZA, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches — said the proposed changes raise serious moral and constitutional concerns.
The body said the amendments fundamentally alter the aspirations expressed by Zimbabweans in the 2013 Constitution and criticised the move for not being taken back to the people in a referendum.
ZHOCD also reminded President Emmerson Mnangagwa of his statement on 18 July 2024 that he would not seek a third term in office or any extension of his current term. Reads the statement:
“To now proceed with amendments that would effectively bypass these very term limits—limits the President himself previously pledged to uphold—would not only contradict those honourable assurances but would deeply wound the nation’s trust and the moral standing of the Second Republic.
“After prayerful reflection on the proposed constitutional amendments—we discern grave risks and are deeply concerned: the extension of presidential and parliamentary terms without a fresh mandate from the people of Zimbabwe; attempts to bypass entrenched constitutional safeguards that require a referendum for constitutional changes; removal of direct presidential elections; re-structuring of the Senate in manner that will entrench dominance of the incumbent; weakening of electoral independence by reallocating core functions to presidential appointees; increased executive control over the judiciary and prosecution, the abolition or dilution of key independent commissions as well as politicking the customary, cultural and traditional functions of the traditional leadership.”
The Christian leaders said the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Bill No. 3 of 2026 introduces far-reaching changes to the 2013 people-driven Constitution and should not be passed without a referendum.
ZHOCD argued that the amendments undermine the core values of the 2013 Constitution and, if adopted, would set a dangerous precedent for Zimbabwe’s constitutional democracy.
The body warned that the changes would reduce citizens’ voice in governance and concentrate power in ways that go against the spirit of the 2013 Constitution.
It added that limiting public participation and weakening checks and balances could increase the risk of conflict.
ZHOCD further warned that extending terms of office and reducing accountability contradicts the moral principles that should guide public leadership. Reads the statement:
“Moreover, these constitutional proposals stand at odds with the President’s own words. The President recently stated that he would respect the Constitution, entrench Constitutionalism and not overstay the two (2) 5 year-term limit that ends in 2028.
“He stated that by doing this at the end of his two (2) 5-year terms, he will give people of Zimbabwe the chance to choose new leadership.
“To proceed with amendments and also bypass a referendum and remove direct presidential elections would wound credibility and imperil a statesman’s legacy that could otherwise be secured by a dignified constitutional transition following the 2028 elections.”
ZHOCD urged Members of Parliament to take a principled stand and reject the proposed amendments, thereby protecting the integrity of institutions that are meant to serve all Zimbabweans, now and in the future.
The church leaders also appealed to President Mnangagwa not to give in to those pushing him to support the constitutional changes.
They called on him to lead as a committed constitutionalist, strengthen his legacy through exemplary leadership, hold elections in 2028, and allow Zimbabwe to experience its first genuinely smooth transfer of power.
Related:
No Referendum, No Amendments – Madhuku
Mwonzora: ZANU-PF Cannot Extend Mnangagwa’s Term Without Referendum