By a Correspondent
Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has broken his silence after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act into law, urging supporters not to lose hope despite growing fears over the country’s political future.
The constitutional amendments, widely referred to as CAB3, were signed into law on Tuesday following their passage through Parliament, triggering fierce debate over the future of Zimbabwe’s democracy.
Among the most contentious changes are the extension of the terms of office for the President, Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years, effectively pushing the end of Mnangagwa’s current tenure to 2030. The amendments also replace the direct election of the President by voters with a system in which the Head of State will be elected by a joint sitting of Parliament.
Addressing supporters in Zimbabwe and the diaspora, Chamisa acknowledged widespread disappointment over the signing of the law but urged Zimbabweans to remain calm and patient.
“I come to you with this very short message,” Chamisa said. “I have heard a lot of concerns and complaints from all over, even the diaspora, about the direction the country should take. Many are concerned. I was so disappointed that he signed the CAB3 into law. But I say to you, wait, don’t be afraid.”
Using biblical imagery that has become a hallmark of his political messaging, Chamisa likened Zimbabwe’s current hardships to the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, arguing that periods of suffering are often followed by restoration.
“Nebuchadnezzar was supposed to suffer first before living in good times,” he said. “I will return when the time comes. Please be patient. We cannot rush because we are in extreme poverty. It is not easy for the support you gave me to be washed away.”
Chamisa assured supporters that their political sacrifices had not been in vain, insisting the opposition’s mandate remained intact.
“We won this country long ago and it belongs to us,” he said.
He also claimed the government’s decision to enact CAB3 reflected insecurity rather than confidence.
“What the regime is doing by signing CAB3 is because it is afraid of us. That is why we have to remain strong and confident. I’m coming back to this issue. God is in it.”
The enactment of CAB3 has sharply divided opinion.
Critics argue the amendments fundamentally alter the spirit of the 2013 Constitution by weakening direct democratic participation and consolidating executive power. They contend that extending terms of office and removing the direct presidential vote represent significant constitutional changes that should have been subjected to a national referendum rather than being approved solely through Parliament.
Supporters of the amendments, however, say the reforms will provide greater political stability and allow government to focus on long-term economic development instead of frequent polarizing election cycles.
The government has defended the seven-year terms as necessary to reduce election-related political tensions and create a stable environment for implementing its Vision 2030 economic agenda. Ruling party officials have also argued that Parliament’s approval of the amendments demonstrates that the changes were made through constitutional processes.
Despite those assurances, CAB3 remains one of the most controversial constitutional reforms since Zimbabwe adopted its 2013 Constitution, with legal experts, opposition parties and civil society organisations warning that the amendments could reshape the country’s democratic landscape for years to come.
