Zimbabwe's Senate passed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) on June 25, 2026, during its third reading, bringing President Emmerson Mnangagwa closer to achieving a term extension. The bill, which seeks to alter presidential term limits, received support from 23 senators from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, according to parliamentary records.
Of the 27 opposition members in the upper house, only four voted against the measure. The remaining CCC senators either supported the bill or were absent, reflecting a significant split within the party. The ruling ZANU-PF party, which holds a majority in the Senate, also voted overwhelmingly in favor.
The passage of CAB3 through the Senate is a key step in the legislative process, but the bill must still be approved by the National Assembly and potentially face a referendum before becoming law. Critics argue that the amendment undermines democratic principles and could extend Mnangagwa's rule beyond the current constitutional limits.
President Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 after a military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, has faced accusations of authoritarianism. The term extension push has sparked protests from civil society groups and opposition parties, who view it as a power grab.
As of June 25, 2026, the bill's next steps remain uncertain, with the National Assembly expected to debate the amendment in the coming weeks. The outcome will have significant implications for Zimbabwe's political future.
