Support for the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill continues to grow, with the Mugodhi Apostolic Church becoming the latest religious institution to endorse the proposed changes.
The endorsement was made during the annual Abibi Passover ceremony held at the church’s shrine in Chitope, Wedza, last Tuesday. Congregants said the amendment would strengthen Zimbabwe’s governance systems and enhance the country’s democratic framework.
Presidential Investment and Empowerment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara said the Mugodhi church’s stance reflects broader engagement and national participation in the proposed legislation.
“This is a bill of the people, a bill that reflects participatory democracy. The church is in support of the bill for specific reasons that include development,” he said.
“We are fully supporting the extension of the Presidential term from five to seven years and a parliamentary process in the election of the President,” one congregant stated.
Another female congregant highlighted the empowerment progress witnessed across the country, saying: “As women from the Mugodhi apostolic sect, we have witnessed various empowerment projects taking place across the country; as such, the President must continue to lead.”
Others pointed to visible development projects as justification for their support. “The developments that we have seen are massive airport construction, the Trabablas interchange and many others. We want to see the President continue on this development path,” another added.
Church leadership also formally endorsed the Bill, emphasising its alignment with the wishes of their congregants. Pastor Nyasha Chivhuna said the amendment would refine Zimbabwe’s legal and administrative systems.
“It is a bill that we asked for as people, as the church. It speaks to our wishes.
“So we are in full support of extending the Presidential term because there are many benefits that the country and we as the people will derive from that, considering that our country is developing under the current leadership,” he said.
Parliament recently completed public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, during which citizens presented oral and written submissions. The Bill is now expected to be tabled before the National Assembly for debate.
