Zimbabwe’s proposed constitutional overhaul has entered a decisive phase, with the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill now officially placed before legislators.
In what marks a significant administrative milestone, the Parliament of Zimbabwe has upgraded the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (H.B. 1, 2026) to “House Copies Ready” status—confirming that printed copies of the draft law have been distributed to Members of Parliament.
According to the latest Bill Status update, lawmakers have now received the full text of the proposed changes, setting the stage for what could become one of Zimbabwe’s most consequential constitutional debates.
Official parliamentary records note:
“H.B. 1, 2026: Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) — House Copies Ready (18/02/26). Gazetted 16/02/2026. Currently undergoing public consultations.”
The Bill was formally gazetted on February 16, 2026, and is currently within the constitutionally mandated 90-day waiting period required under Section 328, which stipulates a public scrutiny window before lawmakers can commence formal debate. This means the First Reading is expected around mid-May.
The proposed amendment seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, a reform that would significantly reshape the nation’s governance framework if approved.
As the 90-day countdown continues, public consultations are underway across the country, marking a crucial phase in determining whether the amendment will secure enough support to advance through Parliament.
