Yesha
Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 85
- 43
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has urged the government to hold a national referendum on the recently enacted Constitution Amendment No. 3 (CAA3), arguing that major constitutional changes should be approved directly by citizens.
In a pastoral letter released on 27 July, the influential church body said the signing of the amendment into law had failed to end public debate, instead deepening political and constitutional divisions in the country.
The council said amendments affecting presidential and parliamentary terms, presidential succession, and constitutional term-limit safeguards should have been subjected to a national vote.
"The people of Zimbabwe should be given the opportunity to directly express their will through a free, fair, transparent and credible national referendum," the ZCC said.
The church argued that a referendum would strengthen public trust and legitimacy rather than weaken the government, describing it as a democratic way of resolving the ongoing dispute over the constitutional changes.
The ZCC also called on Zimbabweans to respect ongoing court cases challenging the legality of the amendment, urging judges to handle the matters independently and without political interference. It warned against the intimidation of litigants, lawyers and judicial officers involved in the cases.
Addressing planned demonstrations, the council reaffirmed citizens' constitutional rights to protest peacefully but appealed for marches to remain non-violent and lawful. It also urged police and security forces to protect peaceful protesters and avoid excessive use of force or arbitrary arrests.
Beyond the immediate dispute, the church called for an inclusive national dialogue involving political parties, churches, civil society, traditional leaders, businesses, youth and women to help bridge divisions and promote national unity.
The ZCC rejected claims that its constitutional advocacy was politically motivated or influenced by foreign interests, saying its position was guided by its commitment to peace, justice and constitutional governance.
The statement comes at a time when constitutional reform, governance and democratic accountability continue to dominate political debates across several African countries, with faith-based organisations increasingly playing a role in advocating for dialogue, peaceful civic participation and respect for the rule of law.
In a pastoral letter released on 27 July, the influential church body said the signing of the amendment into law had failed to end public debate, instead deepening political and constitutional divisions in the country.
The council said amendments affecting presidential and parliamentary terms, presidential succession, and constitutional term-limit safeguards should have been subjected to a national vote.
"The people of Zimbabwe should be given the opportunity to directly express their will through a free, fair, transparent and credible national referendum," the ZCC said.
The church argued that a referendum would strengthen public trust and legitimacy rather than weaken the government, describing it as a democratic way of resolving the ongoing dispute over the constitutional changes.
The ZCC also called on Zimbabweans to respect ongoing court cases challenging the legality of the amendment, urging judges to handle the matters independently and without political interference. It warned against the intimidation of litigants, lawyers and judicial officers involved in the cases.
Addressing planned demonstrations, the council reaffirmed citizens' constitutional rights to protest peacefully but appealed for marches to remain non-violent and lawful. It also urged police and security forces to protect peaceful protesters and avoid excessive use of force or arbitrary arrests.
Beyond the immediate dispute, the church called for an inclusive national dialogue involving political parties, churches, civil society, traditional leaders, businesses, youth and women to help bridge divisions and promote national unity.
The ZCC rejected claims that its constitutional advocacy was politically motivated or influenced by foreign interests, saying its position was guided by its commitment to peace, justice and constitutional governance.
The statement comes at a time when constitutional reform, governance and democratic accountability continue to dominate political debates across several African countries, with faith-based organisations increasingly playing a role in advocating for dialogue, peaceful civic participation and respect for the rule of law.
