Constitution Defenders Forum Calls for CAB3 to Be Scrapped, Alleges Vote Tainted By Bribery

The Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, asserting that its passage through Parliament was flawed and tainted by bribery.

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The process was tainted by widespread inducements, money and vehicles being openly exchanged to influence the outcome. Such conduct undermines the integrity of Parliament and the democratic process itself.

CDF convenor Tendai Biti expressed serious concerns about the voting process in the National Assembly, particularly the failure to conduct a secret ballot. He alleged that legislators were offered inducements, including money and vehicles, to sway the outcome. "The process was tainted by widespread inducements, money and vehicles being openly exchanged to influence the outcome. Such conduct undermines the integrity of Parliament and the democratic process itself," Biti stated.

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CDF's position remains clear: Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 must be withdrawn in its entirety. It is an unnecessary and divisive Bill that has polarised the nation.

Biti reiterated the CDF's firm opposition to the proposed constitutional changes, characterizing the bill as unnecessary, divisive, and a contributor to deepening political polarization within the country. "CDF's position remains clear: Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 must be withdrawn in its entirety. It is an unnecessary and divisive Bill that has polarised the nation," he said.

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Zimbabweans cannot be expected to trust a process that replicates the intimidation, violence and exclusion witnessed during the public consultations.

The former Finance minister also warned that if the bill proceeds to a referendum, authorities must ensure a free, fair, and credible process, free from intimidation and violence, referencing past public consultations. He cautioned against allowing organizations and individuals who have openly campaigned for the bill to dominate the referendum campaign, emphasizing that it should belong to the people of Zimbabwe. The CDF is exploring further actions, including litigation, to challenge the bill and continue defending the constitution.

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We do not want a politicized referendum. Organizations such as FAZ and individuals who have openly campaigned for the Bill should not be allowed to manipulate or dominate the process. The referendum must belong to the people of Zimbabwe, not to any political party.