Byo residents question ‘crafty’ Constitutional push

Debate over the new proposed constitutional amendment that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years and remove direct presidential elections has ignited fierce discussion among residents in Bulawayo North, exposing deep anxieties over Zimbabwe’s democratic trajectory. The proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill, 2026, yet to be tabled in Parliament, has already become a magnet for public debate, with many residents accusing the ruling Zanu PF of employing calculated political strategy while others are worried about the shrinking democratic space. The bill seeks to prolong the life of Parliament and the President from 2028 to 2030, change the format of elections so that people will no longer directly elect the President and change the mandate of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces from protecting the Constitution to protecting the country.

In a lively discussion on the constituency WhatsApp group, Bulawayo North residents described the proposals as potential “monster amendments,” lamenting the lack of a coordinated civic leadership to clearly explain the implications. “The problem faced by Zimbabweans at the moment is that we have no leadership to properly inform us what is really going on,” said a resident identified as Benjamin, who stated constitutional law experts were needed to unpack the implications and educate citizens. “I watched a video of Professor (Lovemore) Madhuku explaining the steps that might be taken and how impossible it might be to complete the bill and have it signed into law before 2028.

The explanation by the professor was clear that tabling of the bill in Parliament is their right and no one can stop them but the problem comes when they refuse people to participate in a referendum.” Benjamin argued Zimbabwe’s Constitution belonged to the people, not any political party. “It’s not a Zanu PF constitution, it’s a national constitution for the people of Zimbabwe,” he said, adding that if the amendment proceeds, “the only best possible route is the legal route through courts.” “If it is the road to the courts obviously we need big brains in legal matters such as Professors Madhuku and Welshman Ncube,” he said. However, others warned against what they called psychological surrender.

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“We are definitely cornered and it would be naive and regrettable for us to be defeated psychologically and break down before any form of pushback against such malicious pressure intended on mutilation of our democratically approved constitution,” said another resident identified as Tichareva. “Remember the story of David and Goliath. A cornered dog has no alternative except to fight its way out of that corner. It’s only impossible until we try.”

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