Lawyers Condemn Constitutional Amendment Bill

Zimbabwe's recently gazetted Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 faces strong opposition from legal bodies. The Adventists Lawyers Association states the bill will shrink democratic space and entrench authoritarianism. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions appealed to Parliament and the Human Rights Commission, citing rising abductions and torture linked to political violence after the bill's gazetting. Constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku also rejected Parliament's public consultation process, calling it exclusive and biased. The bill proposes extending presidential and legislative terms, a contentious issue. The legislation, gazetted February 16, has prompted some to form Zanu PF affiliates pledging loyalty to President Mnangagwa, aiming to support extending his term beyond 2030.