HARARE – The Constitutional Court on Monday reserved judgment in an application by two war veterans seeking direct access to the apex court to challenge provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026.
The amendment, among other changes, extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and removes citizens’ right to directly elect a president, transferring that power to parliament.
The applicants’ lawyers, Tendai Biti and Advocate Lewis Uriri, told the court that the changes raised fundamental constitutional questions concerning citizens’ voting rights, the source of public authority and the country’s electoral framework.
They argued that the Constitutional Court should hear the matter directly rather than refer the applicants to the High Court, given the important questions surrounding access to constitutional remedies and the right to approach the apex court for a declaration of constitutional invalidity.
The applicants intend to argue that CAA3 cannot take away their right under Section 67 of the Constitution to elect a president of their choice without a referendum.
They also challenge the provision allowing the president to appoint 10 senators, arguing that it undermines the basic structure of the Constitution.
The Constitution Defenders Forum, which is supporting the application, welcomed the public support shown during Monday’s proceedings.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to every citizen who attended today’s court proceedings, as well as Zimbabweans at home and across the globe who expressed solidarity through various platforms and channels. Your support and commitment to the defence of constitutionalism are deeply appreciated,” the organisation said in a statement.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to intensify and escalate our peaceful, lawful and constitutional efforts to restore constitutionalism in Zimbabwe. While we await the court’s judgement, our determination to defend constitutional supremacy, democratic governance and the rights of the people remains unwavering.”
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