'Zanu-PF Would Have Sued Mnangagwa If He Had Refused to Sign CAB3,' Claims Minister Kazembe

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe asserted that Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party would have pursued legal action against President Emmerson Mnangagwa had he refused to sign the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) into law. Kazembe emphasized that the President is constitutionally bound to approve legislation once Parliament completes its processes.

Speaking at a Zanu-PF gathering in Mashonaland Central, where he also serves as provincial chairman, Kazembe lauded Mnangagwa, referring to him as 'Shumba Murambwi,' for his unwavering respect for the Constitution. "President Mnangagwa showed that he is a true constitutionalist who follows the Constitution," Kazembe stated. He added that if the President had interfered with constitutional procedures or declined to sign the bill, Zanu-PF would have sought legal recourse, asserting, "If he had refused, we would have taken him to court because he would have been refusing to do what the Constitution requires."

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Let us also thank Shumba Murambwi for being a constitutionalist. President Mnangagwa showed that he is a true constitutionalist who follows the Constitution. The country spoke and said this is what we want. He stood aside and said, 'I am a constitutionalist; you should do what is in line with the Constitution.'

Mnangagwa recently assented to the Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), a law that has sparked considerable political and legal debate. A key provision effectively postpones Zimbabwe's next harmonized elections from 2028 to 2030 by extending the terms of the current Parliament and local authorities by two years. Consequently, Mnangagwa's current term, along with that of Members of Parliament and councillors elected in 2023, will now run until 2030.

The amendment also introduces other significant changes to Zimbabwe's governance structure. These include increasing the number of non-constituency Members of Parliament through additional women and youth quota seats, altering the procedure for filling parliamentary vacancies, and modifying the composition and appointment process of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Furthermore, the law elevates the Prosecutor-General to a constitutional office and makes adjustments affecting the judiciary and public service. While supporters view CAA3 as a constitutional refinement, critics argue it undermines democratic accountability by extending elected officials' terms without a new electoral mandate.

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If he had refused, we would have taken him to court because he would have been refusing to do what the Constitution requires. But he fulfilled his constitutional duty, and we thank him.