Civic Society Calls Constitutional Amendment Bill Hearings 'Cosmetic'

Zimbabwean civic society organizations criticized the planned public hearings for the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, describing them as 'cosmetic.' This stance highlights concerns about the government's consultation process. Civic groups argue the hearings are a formality intended to create an impression of public participation while ZANU PF advances its desired amendments. This clashes with the government's stated aim of democratic engagement, generating mistrust in the legislative process. Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is central to this dispute, with civil society questioning the integrity of the public consultation phase. This public skepticism challenges the perceived democratic legitimacy of the proposed constitutional reforms. Civic society's rejection of the public hearings as 'cosmetic' intensifies political friction, indicating a contest over the legitimacy and transparency of the legislative process.