Gwinyai Henry Muzorewa, the former opposition leader and president of the United African National Council (UANC), has publicly endorsed Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). Muzorewa contends that extending the presidential term from five to seven years would provide future administrations with sufficient time to effectively implement their policies and development initiatives.
In an interview with ZBC News, Muzorewa characterized the proposed constitutional changes as a significant reform poised to redefine Zimbabwe’s political landscape. He stated, “CAB3, from the UANC’s perspective, represents a truly radical reform introduced in Zimbabwe, and the UANC welcomes this series of reforms, as we have been seeking an opportunity for leadership transitions to occur differently.”
Muzorewa argued that after decades under the existing constitutional framework, Zimbabwe should explore alternative models of governance. He remarked, “For the past 46 years, we have operated under a different system. Now, we are attempting something we believe will be beneficial.”
The UANC leader specifically voiced support for the proposal to extend presidential terms to seven years, suggesting that shorter terms often hinder a government’s capacity to fully execute its manifesto and long-term development agenda. “Particularly regarding a seven-year term, this is long overdue. As an aspiring government, we desire ample time to implement our policies, our manifesto, and so forth,” he explained. “Therefore, the UANC anticipates this, and we welcome CAB3 because it addresses this very issue.”
Muzorewa’s endorsement adds another perspective to the ongoing national discourse surrounding CAB3, which has elicited sharply divided opinions across Zimbabwe’s political spectrum. Proponents of the Bill argue that longer terms could foster greater policy continuity, enhance political stability, and allow governments adequate time to undertake major development projects without the interruptions of frequent election cycles.
Conversely, critics maintain that extending presidential terms could undermine democratic accountability and reduce the frequency with which citizens can evaluate and renew political mandates. The Bill recently secured the necessary two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and is now expected to proceed to the Senate for consideration before being presented to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his assent.
CAB3 remains one of Zimbabwe’s most closely scrutinized legislative proposals, with political parties, civil society organizations, constitutional experts, and religious groups continuing to debate its potential ramifications for the nation’s governance and democratic institutions. Muzorewa’s stance is noteworthy as it diverges from the views of several opposition figures who have opposed the proposed amendments, asserting that constitutional reforms should be driven by broad public consensus and active citizen participation. As the Bill progresses through its final legislative stages, discussions concerning presidential term lengths, governance reforms, and constitutional change are expected to remain central to Zimbabwe’s political discourse.
