New Amendment Bill could politicise chiefs

Fresh concerns continue to arise over the provisions of the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026 , as it also seeks to repeal a clause that prohibits traditional leaders from participating in partisan politics, a move that analysts said could entrench political bias and deepen divisions in rural communities. Clause 20 of the Bill proposes to amend Section 281 of the Constitution by repealing subsection (2), the provision that currently compels chiefs, headmen and village heads to remain politically neutral.

The clause reads: “Amendment of section 281 of Constitution: Section 281 (‘Principles to be observed by traditional leaders’) of the Constitution is amended by the repeal of subsection (2).” Under the current Constitution, Section 281(2) clearly states that traditional leaders must not: “be members of any political party or participate in partisan politics; act in a partisan manner; further the interests of any political party or cause; or violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.” Subsection (1) further obliges traditional leaders to act in accordance with the Constitution and treat all persons within their areas equally and fairly. The Bill states that their code of conduct would instead be provided for in an Act of Parliament. The Election Resource Centre (ERC), a democracy and electoral advocacy organisation, has described the proposal as “particularly alarming” as it would allow traditional leaders to be members of any political party and participate in partisan politics.

“Traditional leaders serve as custodians of the culture, values and unity of society. Allowing traditional leaders to engage in partisan politics risks undermining this role in communities with diverse political views, potentially deepening polarisation, mistrust and division.” the organisation said.