Nationwide Public Hearings on Constitutional Amendment No.3 Kick Off

Source: www.zimbabwesituation.com

Public hearings for the Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill are now underway, running from March 30 to April 2, 2026, as Parliament seeks the views of thousands of Zimbabweans across the country. This four-day national exercise is a critical step mandated by the constitution, which requires at least 90 days of public consultation after a bill is gazetted, a period that began on February 17. According to Parliament's statement, these hearings must be completed before the Bill can be formally debated in the National Assembly and Senate, ensuring a process of participatory democracy is followed.

The hearings offer citizens multiple ways to engage, including the opportunity to speak at public meetings and to submit written views through designated 'special desks' at the venues. For those in the capital, Parliament has also established a physical deposit box at the old Parliament building in Harare Central to receive written submissions. This structured approach aims to gather a comprehensive range of perspectives on the Bill, which contains what its proponents describe as far-reaching and transformative proposals, including aligning election cycles with national development goals.

The launch of public consultations follows a period of active campaigning by various stakeholders. Zanu PF concluded a series of sensitisation meetings over the weekend, aimed at raising public awareness about the perceived benefits of the Amendment. Furthermore, traditional leaders have already entered the fray, with Chiefs from Matabeleland North and South, under the National Council of Chiefs, announcing their support. The president of the Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, stated that the traditional leaders had reached a unanimous position to endorse the Bill during a meeting in Bulawayo.

Today's hearings are taking place in multiple provinces simultaneously. In Harare, consultations are being held at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Centre, while Bulawayo residents are gathering at City Hall. Other venues active today include Gokwe Community Hall and Kwekwe Theatre in Midlands; Hyn Hall in Esigodini, Matabeleland South; Tsholotsho Council Hall in Matabeleland North; and Chitsanga Hall in Chiredzi, Masvingo. Hearings are also occurring in Mashonaland West at venues like the Finland Business Centre in Makonde and Rafingora Community Hall in Zvimba, and in Mashonaland East at locations including the Council Hall in Chikomba.

The schedule for the remaining days is equally packed, with hearings moving to different districts. On March 31, consultations will be held at the Epworth Local Board and Harare City Centre, while in Matabeleland South, the public will gather in Bulilima and Mangwe. Other provinces, including Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Mashonaland East, have specific venues lined up for the second day of hearings, ensuring a wide geographic reach. Once this intensive phase concludes, relevant Parliamentary committees will compile reports from the submissions, forming the basis for the next stage of legislative debate.

Related topics: Constitutional Amendment, Parliament, Public Hearings, Zimbabwe Politics, Legislation, Zanu PF, Election Cycles, National Assembly, Gazetted Bill

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