By Lenon Itai Rwizi
<h2>Introduction</h2>
In recent weeks, Zimbabweans have witnessed growing public calls for amendments to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013, and in the process, extending President Mnangagwa’s stay as President of the Republic. It should be noted that, though on several occasions, President Mnangagwa has publicly declared disinterest in extending his stay in power, the conversation has stimulated enough interest to make it worth examining the constitutional changes that would have to take place for the President to be allowed to serve a third term.
This writeup seeks to provide a simple step-by-step, explanation of the provisions of the Constitution that speak to Presidential term limits and changes to the same.
<h2>
Vital Steps for the Incumbent to Change the Two Term Limit</h2>
According to section 91(2) of the Constitution:
<blockquote>
“A person is disqualified for election as President or appointment as Vice-President if he or she has already held office as President for two terms, whether continuous or not, and for the purpose of this subsection three or more years’ service is deemed to be a full term.”
</blockquote>
By the 2028, President Mnangagwa will have served two full terms, so he will not be eligible to stand for election as President or Vice-President. Therefore, the Constitution would have to be amended before the President can legally serve another term in office as President or Vice President.
<h2>Which provisions of the Constitution would need to be amended?</h2>
The first amendment would be to section 91, which as can be seen sets out the current presidential term-limit. The amendment would entail repealing section 91(2) (if the intention is to completely remove presidential term-limits) or changing the words “two terms” to “three terms, or however many terms a President will be allowed to serve (if it is decided to extend the number of terms rather than scrap the limits completely).
The steps needed to amend section 91 are set out in section 328 of the Constitution:
<ul>
<li>The Speaker must publish “the precise terms” of the proposed amendment in the Gazette, and the amendment cannot be introduced in Parliament until 90 days after that publication [section 328(3)].</li>
<li>The staff of Parliament must immediately invite the public to comment on the proposed amendment, through written submissions and public hearings convened by Parliament [section 328(4)]. In practice these hearings are convened by the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and written submissions from the public are sent to that Committee.</li>
<li>The Bill containing the amendment must be passed by a two-thirds majority at its final reading [i.e. the Third Reading] in both the National Assembly and the Senate, and when the Bill is sent to the President for assent the Speaker and presiding officer of the Senate must certify that it has received the requisite majorities [section 328(5) and (10) of the Constitution].</li>
</ul>
If these steps are taken, section 91 will be amended to allow a President to serve more than two terms in office.
There is a catch, however: the amendment will not apply to President Mnangagwa.
<h2>Section 328(7) of the Constitution</h2>
The reason why the above amendment would not apply to President Mnangagwa lies in section 382(7), which was designed to make it difficult for incumbent office-holders (particularly Presidents) to extend their terms of office. It states:
<blockquote>
“Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an amendment to a term-limit provision [Note: section 91(2) is a term-limit provision] the effect of which is to extend the length of time that a person may hold or occupy any public office, does not apply in relation to any person who held or occupied that office, or an equivalent office, at any time before the amendment.”
</blockquote>
Put simply this means that an amendment to section 91 of the Constitution extending presidential term-limits will apply only to future Presidents. It will not allow an incumbent or past President to extend the period he may hold presidential office. So, if section 91 were amended by following the steps we outlined above, President Mnangagwa could not benefit from the amendment and could not legally be elected for a third term.
To enable him to be elected for a third term, section 328(7) itself would have to be amended or repealed. To do this, a Bill amending or repealing section 328(7) would have to go through all the steps we outlined above – the Bill would have to be published in the Gazette for 90 days, it would have to be passed by two-thirds majorities in the National Assembly and the Senate, and so on.
BUT after that, within three months after being passed, the Bill would have to be submitted to a national referendum and approved by a majority of the voters casting their votes. This is set out in section 328(9) of the Constitution.
<h2>Brief Procedure for Extending the Current President’s Term</h2>
To sum up the procedure that would have to be followed if it is decided that President Mnangagwa should be able to stand again for election, the following steps would have to be taken.
<ul>
<li>A Bill amending both section 91 and section 328(7) of the Constitution would have to be published in the Gazette for at least 90 days.</li>
<li>Parliament would have to invite public comments, written and verbal, on the proposed amendments.</li>
<li>The Bill would have to be passed by two-thirds majorities at its final readings in both the National Assembly and the Senate.</li>
<li>Within three months the Bill would have to be put to a referendum and passed by a majority of the voters who cast their votes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
The Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013, makes it relatively easy to alter Presidential term-limits so long as one can muster two-thirds majorities in both Houses of Parliament, but makes it rather more difficult to extend those term-limits in order to benefit an incumbent President. This is not an accident – it was deliberate as we publicly heard on several occasions from the late Dr. Alex Magaisa.
Lenon Itai Rwizi is a Registered Legal Practitioner of the Superior Courts of Zimbabwe and can be contacted on: +263 774 159 146 or +263 713 967 341 lenonrwizi@gmail.com. The above does not constitute formal legal advice, and neither does not create any type of attorney-client relationship. Please seek legal advice from your own by contacting the writer https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057530166769 ) or any attorney of your choice.

Pindula News

Zimbabwe may change the law to let the President stay for a third term. The Constitution says the President can't serve more than two terms. To change this, the law must be amended. The process includes publishing the changes, getting public feedback, and passing the amendment in Parliament with a two-thirds majority. However, the current President cannot benefit from this change. To extend his term, another amendment must pass through the same process and then be approved by a majority in a national referendum. The Constitution makes it hard to extend the term of an incumbent President, and this was done on purpose.

Presidential Term-limit Amendments On The Spot Light: Is It Possible to Amend The Supreme Law On Presidential Term-Limit?

Some women in ZANU PF say the national Constitution should be amended to remove the two-term presidential limit to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to run for a third term.
ZANU PF women’s league Midlands Provincial chairperson, Tsitsi Zhou, said Mnangagwa is development-oriented and must have an uninterrupted rule. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
As women, we are mobilising and ensuring that people have registered to vote. It must be known that no other party will ever rule in Zimbabwe besides ZANU PF.
We are going to give President Mnangagwa a fresh mandate in the coming elections, and we will tell those in parliament to amend the constitution to give him another term beyond 2023 because the President is a hard worker, and we will hand him another term.
</blockquote>
She said since Mnangagwa assumed power in 2017, he has initiated numerous projects in a short space of time. Said Zhou:
<blockquote>
What the President has achieved in a short time, if he was to be the one in power for the past 37 years, then the country would have made serious economic strides.
His hard work can be testified by the Chirundu-Beitbridge Highway.
What gives us confidence that ZANU PF is a progressive party is based on the fact that the country’s number one citizen is from ZANU PF and he is from Kwekwe, that is where he casts his ballot.
The ZANU PF brand gives us confidence because it spells out victory. Because we are ZANU PF.
We have already won the 2023 elections. We are seeing many people who want to join ZANU PF.
We now have teachers for ED, civil servants for ED, and nurses for ED.
</blockquote>
If Mnangagwa is re-elected in 2023, the law does not allow him to run again in 2028 as he would have been in office for two terms.
He can only contest for the presidency for a third time if there is a constitutional amendment.
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-women-want-constitutional-amendment-to-make-mnangagwa-life-president/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

ZANU PF Women Want Term Limits Scrapped For Mnangagwa To Contest In 2028

POLICE SERVICE MUST ACT CONSTITUTIONALLY
Under Section 219 of the Constitution, the Police Service have an obligation to preserve the internal security of Zimbabwe, maintain law and order as well as a duty to protect and secure the lives and property of the people.
In light of this constitutional imperative, the MDC Alliance is concerned with the political posturing by the Police Service and the unfounded allegation that members of the MDC Alliance are not cooperating with police investigations into the attempted assassination of President Nelson Chamisa and political violence that took place on Monday 18 October 2021.
We wish to place on record the fact that a police report was made by our members led by Vice President Karenyi-Kore in the company of our Organizing Secretary, Hon Chibaya, our Deputy Secretary-General, Hon Chimhini and Hon Mutseyami. The report was recorded under RRB4124513. It was made in the presence of our lawyers.
We are accordingly surprised that Police Spokesperson Paul Nyathi alleged to the press that he was unaware that a report had been made. His allegation is simply untrue.
The police sent forensic officers to inspect the vehicles and conduct a check on the number plates of the vehicles concerned.
The police officers were given access to the vehicles and full cooperation. Our lawyers were present at all times. The officers took photographs and the ballistic team conducted their examination. 
Accordingly, we are surprised to learn of an alleged failure by us to co-operate communicated through the press. It is not true that we have not cooperated.
What troubles us is the fact that no investigations have commenced or arrests effected in respect of the actual perpetrators of the attempted assassination and political violence.
Four days after video footage went viral of the perpetrators of the violence, why have no arrests have been effected?
Why are the police allowing ZANU PF to erect illegal roadblocks and disturb the free movement of vehicles?
Why are these thugs being allowed to search citizens who are going about their business? 
Why is ZANU PF being allowed to unlawfully bus in in excess of 300 thugs to our meetings with community leaders and harass and abuse our members?
The descent into lawlessness and the breakdown of the rule of law call into question the independence of the police and their commitment to carry out their constitutional functions.
We call into question the professionalism and independence of the Police who have actively worked against us in the past and throughout the course of this citizen conversation tour. 
They have been taking instructions from Zanu PF thugs at roadblocks and shielding the perpetrators of violence committed against us. They have watched while we were being stoned and mobbed.
Instead of ensuring the safety and security of persons and property in line with their constitutional imperative, they have either turned a blind eye or been complicit in the violence. Where is their bona fides or fidelity to the Constitution?
The events of the last fortnight demonstrate that they have not exercised objectivity in their dealings with us since the political violence started in Masvingo.
There is a confidence gap that makes it hard for us to trust that they will carry out their duties constitutionally. The onus is on the police to demonstrate that they are objective.
They have a history of prejudging these matters and turning on the victims. We saw what they did with the MDC trio.
Following the abduction, torture and sexual assault of Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, a police report was made which led to the arrest of these women on allegations of communicating falsehoods.
They were then prosecuted for making the report while the perpetrators were never brought to book.
Several other victims of political violence and torture have suffered the same fate. Their modus operandi and pattern of conduct tell a sad tale.
We call for the Police Service to focus on holding the perpetrators of violence to account in accordance with their obligations under section 219 of the Constitution.
Fadzayi Mahere 
National Spokesperson
<hr/>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

MDC Alliance Challenges Police To Uphold The Constitution | FULL TEXT

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) has urged the government to stop pursuing constitutional amendments and focus on addressing the welfare of the suffering masses.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Bishops said the government should suspend constitutional amendments and urgently prioritise issues to do with economic stability and health delivery, among others. They said:
<blockquote>There is urgent need to prioritise other pressing problems facing the country such as economic stability, health service delivery system, food security, employment conditions, unity and peace.
We generally feel that the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe is a major breakthrough in the country’s constitution-making process and its implementation should be expedited.
… Our call to the government is that it should consider suspending the Constitution amendment and intensify efforts to address the economy, health, social and food security issues affecting members of the public in Zimbabwe.</blockquote>
The government is currently working on amending the Constitution under Constitutional Amendment Bill No 2 of 2019, to, among other things, remove a clause on Presidential running mates and bequeath the President with more powers to appoint judges of the higher courts.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/05/prioritise-citizens-welfare-govt-urged/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Catholic Bishops Urge Govt To Prioritise Citizens' Welfare Over Politics

The Cabinet of Zimbabwe has approved the Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2019 which among other things gives the elected president the powers to appoint his deputies.
This is a departure from the provisions of section 92 of the 2013 Constitution which provides for the joint election of the President and two running mates selected by the Presidential candidate.
Some of the salient amendments to be effected will include the following:
<ol>
<li>The president-elect is now authorised under Section 94 of subsection (2) to appoint two persons to be Vice Presidents as soon as he assumes office.</li>
<li>The conditions under which a Vice President will vacate office (Section 95)</li>
<li>The President can now under Section 180, upon recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, appoint a sitting judge to be the judge of a higher court wherever a vacancy at such a court arises.</li>
<li>Appointment of judges of the Constitutional Court for a non-renewable term of not more than 15 years.</li>
<li>The retirement age for judges of the High Court, Labour Court and any other judges will be 70 years;</li>
<li>The Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, and judges of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts will hold office until they reach the age of 70 years and thereafter may have their contracts renewed annually.</li>
</ol>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/45th-cabinet-meeting-decisions-matrix/">The Herald</a>

Cabinet Approves Constitutional Amendment Bill Of 2019

<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-111821-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Emmerson-Mnangagwa-still-here-in-2030.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Emmerson-Mnangagwa-still-here-in-2030.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Emmerson-Mnangagwa-still-here-in-2030.mp4</a></video></div>
In a video by New Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa says “in 2030 I will still be here”. The statement has been taken to mean that he wants to exceed the two presidential terms provided for by the constitution. If he is reelected in 2023, his second term would end in 2028.
Said Mnangagwa during a speech on HIV and AIDs targets:
<blockquote>…We therefore need to work together for the attainment of global goal of zero new infections by 2030. 2030 I’ll still be here so I’ll see if we have attained that goal or not.</blockquote>
Mnangagwa has been criticised and accused of harbouring ambitions to be president beyond the current terms stipulated by the constitution of Zimbabwe.
This is in resonance with what he said in June 2018. Back then, he said that <a href="https://www.news24.com/Africa/Zimbabwe/mnangagwa-says-hell-still-be-zims-president-in-2030-report-20180617">he was confident he would still be the president of Zimbabwe in 2030</a>, adding that his economic vision for the country is not a mistake. He said:
<blockquote>I chose 2030 and it’s not a magic year, but I believe I will still be there. I would want to commend the Buy Zimbabwe team which has continued to work closely with both private and public sectors to drive the buy local message and encourage the purchase of local products and services so that local business can thrive, thereby, stimulating economic growth and creating decent jobs for us to be a middle-income country by 2030.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Zimbabwe</a>

WATCH: "I'll Still Be Here In 2030" Emmerson Mnangagwa

The ruling ZANU PF party is set to amend its constitution. This was revealed by the party’s secretary for administration Obert Mpofu.
Mpofu was quoted by state media as saying that consultations to pave way for the constitution’s amendment were already underway. Said Mpofu:
<blockquote>Consultations that will pave way for the amendment of the constitution have been sanctioned by the politburo. So we have already put in place a committee which is working on the modalities.
For example, the positions of secretaries are out-dated and they will be amended up to the praesidium.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, there are moves to amend the country’s constitution as well, as ZANU PF holds a two-thirds majority.
Reports indicate that the presidential running mate clause is set to be chopped from the constitution as the ruling party believes that it creates two centres of power.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana had this to say:
<blockquote>Maybe we should talk about this running mate business. RGM (former President Robert Mugabe) and MRT (former Prime Minister the late Morgan Tsvangirai) pushed for a deferred implementation of this clause by 10 years because they wanted breathing space, not crowded in by a VP who is an heir apparent. Malawi had a problem with it. Chakambobva kupi chunhu ichi (Whose idea was this after all)?</blockquote>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/17/government-urged-to-align-laws-on-child-marriages-with-the-constitution/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Government Urged To Align Laws On Child Marriages With The Constitution</a></h4>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/10/zanu-pf-change-constitution/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Changing The Constitution: Zanu PF Begins Process</a></h4>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/31/zanu-pf-mulls-scrapping-running-mate-clause-ahead-of-2023-elections/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZANU PF Mulls Scraping ‘Running Mate’ Clause Ahead Of 2023 Elections</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/04/23/zanu-pf-to-amend-constitution" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Daily News (Subscription Required)</a></h4>

ZANU PF To Amend Party & National Constitutions

MDC president Nelson Chamisa on Wednesday asked national standing committee members to read and interpret that party’s constitution.
This comes as there is contention over the dates for an elective Congress which some within the party want to be held early, while others want it to be held in October.
Newsday sources who were part of the meeting are quoted as saying:
<blockquote>Chamisa asked everyone to read the constitution and give their interpretation of when Congress should be held. Our constitution says Congress must be held every five years, but a special congress can be held in the event of a vacancy in the office of the president before his or her term expires.
While we all know that Chamisa was endorsed by the national council to take over as the substantive leader, it is important to note that it would be unhygienic to hold an extraordinary congress in the same year as a congress proper.
The president is actually right. He could call for an extraordinary congress today, get elected and then refuse to have his position contested in October. The fifth year for us began in November last year and anytime from then, we could have held our congress. It’s just a matter of logistics.</blockquote>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/22/mdc-factions-clash-over-date-for-elective-congress/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MDC ‘Factions’ Clash Over Date For Elective Congress</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/02/congress-date-divides-mdc/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Newsday</a></h4>

Chamisa Asks MDC Bigwigs To Read & Interpret The Constitution

Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi has revealed that the government will move to amend the Constitution with regards to devolution. The government wants to amend the Constitution to ensure that the decentralisation process does not result in bloated provincial structures. Speaking to the Sunday Mail, Ziyambi said,
<blockquote>The way (Provincial and Metropolitan Councils) are structured at the moment, all the Honourable MPs within the province sit in the Provincial Councils with all the chiefs and Provincial Councilors. You sit there in Parliament, you allocate a budget to the Provincial Council, you go back to the province and sit in the Provincial Council and determine how the budget you allocated is used. Then you go back to Parliament and play an oversight role to things that you have been doing.
So, perhaps it is one area that I believe the Minister of Local Government will be able to tackle and bring it to us so we look at how we can amend the Constitution and deal with that. It’s just not appropriate … These are some of the issues that need cleaning up, forget about the Provincial Ministers.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-moves-to-amend-constitution/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Sunday Mail</a>

Govt To Amend Constitution To 'Streamline' Devolution

In the weeks before and days following the death of the MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai, intense infighting has happened in the party.
There have been claims that the party of the MDC-T Constitution (2014) is not being followed, and that individuals are grabbing power undemocratically.
<h2>Here’s a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/File:MDC-T_Constitution_01_November_2014.pdf">download of the MDC-T Constitution (2014)</a></h2>

Download The Constitution Of The MDC-T (2014)

2018 presidential candidate Dr Nkosana Moyo has accused President Robert Mugabe of usurping the country’s Constitution and creating a a “super class” of individuals. However, Moyo warned that people have had enough and will soon find means of confronting Mugabe. Said Moyo
 
<blockquote>The economic circumstances in the country dictate that Zimbabweans are unhappy because they are living under very difficult conditions, except for a few thousand people connected to the top. People carrying a Zanu PF card will vote against that party because they are not an exception.
I have not been threatened directly, but that is not to say I am safe or I feel safe. The situation in the country is such that citizens do not feel safe and I am not an exception. Those in power have created a class of people, who are above the law. There is nothing that they do according to the law.
To them, the Constitution is for a class of sub-humans, while they operate at some level above the law.
It is a reality that our people are afraid and have been intimidated. It is sad that a black government resorts to methods used by Rhodesians and the boers in South Africa, but failed. Time will come when our people will say enough is enough and we believe the time is now.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/09/04/mugabe-sitting-social-time-bomb-moyo/">NewsDay</a>

Mugabe has usurped the Constitution and created a "super class"

Constitutional law expert, Dr Alex Magaisa has urged businesses to know the new constitution well, particularly provisions which affect the Bill of Rights, in order to safeguard their businesses.  Speaking at Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) Conversations hosted in partnership with Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Magaisa said:
<blockquote>Companies must train their staff on observing the rights and obligations given in the Constitution,
It is important that companies invest in assisting their workers to understand their rights, especially those at the high end, those who make decisions, not only in order to comply with the Constitution, but also to exploit opportunities that are given in the Constitution.
One of the most important rights for business is the right to private property. As lawyers and business, we must be familiar with what we are able to do and what we are unable to do as given by this Constitution</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/07/15/business-promote-bill-rights/">NewsDay</a>

Know the Constitution, particularly provisions to do with bill of rights: Magaisa advises businesses

The  Bill to amend the new Consitution was set in motion yesterday when Assistant Clerk of Parliament Mr Johane Gandiwa invited comments from the public on the new bill.    The bill seeks to give the President the power to appoint the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice and the Judge President without waiting for a shortlist of candidates from the Judicial Services Commission.
Mr Gandiwa said the public should submit comments on the Bill.  He also said that public hearings on the bill will be held on dates to be advised.
Said Mr Gandiwa:
<blockquote>In compliance with this peremptory constitutional provision, and as part of public consultations meant to enhance participatory democracy, Parliament of Zimbabwe is inviting comments on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Number 1 Bill, HB1, 2017, for consideration by the relevant Committee(s).
Comments must be submitted to the following e-mail address: bills@parlzim.gov.zw or to Parliament of Zimbabwe Corner Third Street and Kwame Nkrumah, PO Box CY 298, Causeway, Harare, on or before Friday, 24 March 2017.</blockquote>
The appointment of the Chief Justice to take over from  <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Godfrey_Chidyausiku">Godfrey Chidyausiku</a> has <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2017/01/16/chief-justice-calls-mnangagwa-urges-executive-respect-rule-law/">generated debate and controversy over the Executive’s decision to change the process</a> and the constitution.
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/chief-justice-bill-set-in-motion/">Herald</a>

Bill to amend the Constitution to allow President to pick Chief Justice set in motion

The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has condemned the current efforts by the Executive to amend the eConstitution.  The LSZ  views the proposed amendments as a way of bringing back section 84 of the Lancaster House Constitution.  They also feel that the amendment is retrogressive and “does not seek to improve good governance”
Excerpts of the statement read:
<blockquote>We believe there could be weaknesses with the current composition of JSC. The Law Society however strongly believes those weaknesses can be addressed to reflect the values of transparency, fairness and objectivity. In correcting the weaknesses, the Executive need not usurp the functions currently reposed in the JSC and place them under an authority with no accountability to anyone or any other institution. The amendment does not seek to improve good governance.</blockquote>
 
The LSZ also questioned the timing of the amendment and government’s decision to suspend the constitution in order to amend it:
<blockquote>The timing of the amendment is equally disconcerting as it comes when a constitutionally mandated process was already underway. In an unprecedented manner the Executive has sought the suspension of the operation of the Constitution in order to allow the proposed amendment to pass through. This approach is wrong and unlawful. The Constitution is the Supreme law of Zimbabwe. All other laws and directives are subordinate to it.</blockquote>
 
Real Full Statement <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2017/01/12/law-society-zimbabwe-statement-constitutional-amendment-bill-no-1-2016-full/#.WHd2v1V97IU">Here</a>

Law Society of Zimbabwe condemns Constitutional Amendment  effort

Here is a copy of the Bill to amend the Constitution.  Deals with the appointment of the Chief Justice among other things.  This general notice nullifies <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2016/12/23/pdf-constitution-zimbabwe-ammendment-no-1-bill-2016/" target="_blank">the bill which was gazetted</a> last year on 23rd December, 2016.
This new bill was published on 3 January 2017.
<a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Constitution-of-Zimbabwe-Amendment-No.-1-H.B.-1-2017.pdf">Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 1) – H.B. 1-2017</a>
More: <a href="http://veritaszim.net/node/1940" target="_blank">Veritas Trust</a>

Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 1)  [PDF]

ZRP refused to clear a demonstration by several organisations in Bulawayo, claiming that the groups had not applied within the stipulated time.   The demostration was scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday 17 November, under the banner “#This Consitution, Our Constitution Campaign.”
In the letter refusing to grant the clearance, the police said:
<blockquote>. . . your application does not meet the Act’s requirement of seven days notice before any demonstration or procession is held. You are therefore kindly required to submit another notification which conforms to the said Act.
This is clear denial of the Constitution to the people by government. While they failed to primarily honour their mandate to bring the Constitution to the people, now they shockingly accelerate efforts to stop even those who can do so voluntarily.
This is the highest level of betrayal and undermining of the masses. Anyway these are clear efforts by the police to frustrate us but let them be warned that we are not going to give up on this one, even if it means going door-to-door.</blockquote>
However ,this was disputed by the organisers of the demonstration who said:
<blockquote>We officially handed the letter of notice eight days before and it’s clear in our letter. But now the police boss claims his office acknowledged receiving the letter on the 11th and for that reason, in his calculations, the march cannot proceed
This is clear denial of the Constitution to the people by government. While they failed to primarily honour their mandate to bring the Constitution to the people, now they shockingly accelerate efforts to stop even those who can do so voluntarily.
This is the highest level of betrayal and undermining of the masses. Anyway these are clear efforts by the police to frustrate us but let them be warned that we are not going to give up on this one, even if it means going door-to-door.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2016/11/16/police-block-bulawayo-demo" target="_blank">Daily News</a>

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