Opposition MPs Close Ranks Against CAB3 as Parliamentary Debate Begins

HARARE – Opposition Members of Parliament and senior opposition figures have publicly united against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) as Parliament prepares to begin debate on the controversial legislation following its Second Reading.

The Bill has emerged as one of the most contentious political issues in recent years, with opponents arguing that it threatens constitutionalism and democratic governance, while supporters insist it seeks to address governance challenges.

Leading the charge against the Bill is Hon. Chigumbu, who issued a pointed message ahead of the parliamentary debate.

"Today, we go to Parliament to debate CAB3. Some will debate with money in their socks. Others will rise with the people in their hearts and the future in their hands."

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart also weighed in, arguing that the 2013 Constitution remains adequate and should not be amended without overwhelming public demand.

"With respect, the Constitution, painstakingly created and agreed upon in 2013, does not need amendments. The current Amendment Bill must be rejected totally, in its entirety. Anything less will be a travesty."

Coltart added:

"Any amendments to the Constitution should only be the result of a comprehensive call by the general public for such amendments, not changes done at the whim of individual MPs."

He further declared:

"As for me, I know where I stand. I stand with the citizens. I stand with democracy. I stand against 2030. I am ready to speak. I am ready to fight. I am ready to represent you well."

Kuwadzana East MP Gladys Hlatshwayo described the Bill as a dangerous step backwards.

"Today CAB 3 was read for the first time in Parliament. The Bill represents a monumental regression and must be resisted by all patriotic Zimbabweans. It is wrong to push the country to the precipice in pursuit of a narrow selfish power retention agenda."

She appealed for unity across party lines, saying:

"May God grant courage to all MPs across the political divide to prioritize the national interest over ego-trips."

Warren Park MP Shakespeare Hamauswa pledged to vote against the Bill, saying his position was informed by the wishes of his constituents.

"Based on my mandate from the people who voted for me, I pledge to be on the right side of history. I am rejecting CAB3 in toto. Zimbabwe's national question can only be answered through an all-inclusive genuine dialogue. No to 2030. Viva Zimbabwe."

Hamauswa also expressed confidence that opposition to the Bill extends beyond public declarations.

"Losing on the right side of history is a win. Getting one vote against under the prevailing circumstances is a fruit of bravery. But I know more than 150 will vote against it if the voting is done secretly."

Marondera Central MP Caston Matewu similarly reaffirmed his opposition.

"The Constitutional Amendment Bill 3 has been read for the first time in the House of Assembly. The debates begin and, as previously stated, I will vote against the Bill in its totality."

Chiredzi Central MP Blessed Ropafadzo said legislators had a duty to remain faithful to the mandate given to them by voters.

"Today, the CAB 3 Bill will be read for the Second Time and debate will commence thereafter. Our duty is clear: to defend the interests of the people and remain faithful to the mandate they entrusted to us. We will not betray the masses."

However, not all opposition legislators have adopted an outright rejectionist position. MPs aligned to interim CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu have indicated that their support for the Bill will depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations and consultations around the proposed amendments.

The stance has exposed divisions within opposition ranks, with one group demanding the complete rejection of CAB3 while another has signaled a willingness to consider supporting aspects of the Bill should their concerns be addressed through dialogue and political engagement.

As debate begins in Parliament, attention will focus on whether opponents of the Bill can translate their public resistance into sufficient votes to halt its progress through the legislative process.

The outcome is expected to shape Zimbabwe's constitutional and political trajectory for years to come.