The Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC), which unites a wide range of Apostolic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and local Christian groups, has fully endorsed the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 3) Bill, 2026, calling the suggested modifications essential for maintaining national stability, ensuring ongoing development, and advancing governance improvements.
A comprehensive report submitted to Parliament on Friday stated that the suggested constitutional changes are legal, democratic, and in line with Zimbabwe’s long-term development goals outlined in Vision 2030.
The document, signed by ZIICC patron Bishop Dr Nehemiah Mutendi and chairman Rev Dr Andrew Wutawunashe, stated that Parliament possesses the constitutional power to alter the Constitution and should be permitted to discuss the Bill without involvement from outside organizations.
The churches stated in the submission, ‘We urge Parliament to enact this Bill for the nation’s benefit.’
The churches stated that Zimbabwe’s elected officials obtain their legislative power directly from the citizens and are constitutionally required to make changes to the Constitution when needed.
The submission stated, ‘The Parliament’s fulfillment of that mandate is neither a threat to democracy nor can it be — it is democracy in action.’
ZIICC stated that the public consultations carried out by Parliament throughout the country had already met the constitutional requirements for public involvement, and mentioned that no group or civic organization has the authority to block Parliament’s legislative functions.
The religious group, claiming to speak for over 8.7 million people in Zimbabwe, also supported suggestions in the Bill that would increase the presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.
As stated by ZIICC, an extended governance cycle would enable the government to have sufficient time to carry out significant development initiatives like Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which were previously affected by political instability and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The religious institutions claimed that Zimbabwe needed consistent policies and stability to effectively carry out national initiatives and bounce back from external challenges.
The submission stated, ‘Vision 2030 is not just a phrase for our congregation. It is a commitment that needs to be fulfilled.’
ZIICC connected the suggested seven-year period with religious teachings about restoration and fulfillment, noting that the idea aligns with Christian values of renewal and the rebuilding of the nation.
The places of worship also supported suggestions to modernize Zimbabwe’s voting system, such as implementing a parliamentary approach for selecting the President.
They claimed that direct presidential elections had, in the past, increased political conflicts and split communities apart.
The churches stated, ‘Our communities have suffered the consequences of electoral hostility through the loss of peace, their means of survival, and their social unity.’
ZIICC stated that choosing the President via Parliament could minimize political tensions while maintaining democratic responsibility through elected officials.
The churches also supported suggestions to create a specialized Zimbabwe Electoral Boundary Commission, stating that this step would enhance transparency and expertise in defining constituency boundaries.
With regard to traditional leadership changes, the church community supported the elimination of constitutional barriers that restricted the political involvement of chiefs and customary leaders.
ZIICC stated that traditional leaders serve as guardians of community governance and should be granted the same constitutional rights as other citizens.
“A traditional leader is a citizen of Zimbabwe,” the document stated, highlighting that chiefs are essential in preserving peace, settling conflicts, and promoting development at the local level.
The places of worship also backed measures that removed the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission’s constitutional status, pointing out that the commission’s initial constitutional authority had already ended in 2023.
ZIICC stated that reconciliation should not be limited to one commission but should instead evolve into a wider national duty, encompassing churches, customary leaders, and communities.
The group committed to enhance reconciliation and recovery initiatives throughout the nation in collaboration with authorities and local organizations.
In a cover letter submitted along with the application, Rev Dr Wutawunashe mentioned that the churches felt the Bill supported “the constitutional framework of Zimbabwe in a way that aligns with the values and ambitions of our population.”
The proposal arrives as discussions regarding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 grow more heated, with advocates claiming the changes will improve administrative effectiveness and policy consistency, while opponents have expressed worries about certain aspects of the suggested modifications.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
