Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi says the Government’s proposed constitutional amendments relating to Zimbabwe’s election timetable do not require a national referendum, insisting the changes target electoral cycles rather than presidential term limits.
Speaking while clarifying the legal position surrounding the planned reforms, Ziyambi said amendments to certain constitutional provisions can legally be made through Parliament without direct public voting where term-limit clauses are not affected.
“Notably, amendments to term-limit provisions do not intrinsically require referendums,” Ziyambi said, adding that the sections under review fall outside protected clauses that mandate a plebiscite.
He explained that the Government is proposing adjustments to provisions governing election cycles, citing Sections 95(2b) and 143(1) of the Constitution, which relate to the timing and administration of elections.
“These ones are election cycles that we are amending. We are not touching term-limit provisions; we are dealing with electoral cycle provisions, not ones that are specific to an individual,” he said.
Debate has intensified in recent weeks following discussions around possible constitutional changes ahead of future elections, with critics raising concerns that amendments could indirectly extend political office holders’ time in power.
Under Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution, presidential term limits are protected provisions, meaning any amendment affecting them would require approval through a national referendum. However, other constitutional sections — including administrative or procedural electoral provisions — can be amended through a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
Government officials argue that aligning or adjusting election cycles is aimed at improving governance efficiency and synchronising electoral processes. Opposition parties and some civil society groups, however, have called for broader public consultation, warning that electoral timing changes can carry significant political consequences even if term limits remain unchanged.
The proposed amendments are expected to be debated in Parliament, where lawmakers will determine whether the changes secure the constitutional majority required for passage.
