Hopewell Chin’ono writes; A Zimbabwean citizen has asked the Constitutional Court to strike down the country’s newest constitutional amendment, arguing that Parliament and President Emmerson Mnangagwa broke the law in passing it. Vhurande Mahlupeko, a member of the National Constitutional Assembly party, filed the application on Monday against Parliament, the President, the Attorney-General and the […]

Hopewell Chin’ono writes;

A Zimbabwean citizen has asked the Constitutional Court to strike down the country’s newest constitutional amendment, arguing that Parliament and President Emmerson Mnangagwa broke the law in passing it.

Vhurande Mahlupeko, a member of the National Constitutional Assembly party, filed the application on Monday against Parliament, the President, the Attorney-General and the Minister of Justice. He is asking the court to declare the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026, null and void.

The Act, signed into law by President Mnangagwa on July 7, extends the terms of the President, Parliament and local councils from five to seven years, replaces direct presidential elections with a vote by Parliament, and expands the Senate, among other changes. It also cancels the 2028 elections.

Mahlupeko’s application, drawn up by lawyer and university professor, Dr Lovemore Madhuku, contends that Parliament amended several constitutional sections that were never published in the Bill’s original gazette notice, as required by law.

It also argues that extending term limits in a way that benefits the sitting President and lawmakers is expressly barred by the Constitution, and that changing how the President is elected indirectly strips citizens of their right to vote for the head of state without saying so directly, which is also prohibited.

The application further claims Mnangagwa should have stepped aside for an Acting President to sign the Bill, given that he personally benefits from the longer term, and that Parliament failed to give public notice before sending the Bill for his signature.

Mahlupeko is asking the court to declare the entire Act invalid rather than strike down individual clauses, arguing that a constitutional amendment must stand or fall as a whole.

The case, filed under CCZ277/26, has not yet been set down for hearing. Under court rules, the respondents have 21 days from being served to file opposition papers.

The Constitutional Court is being asked to determine whether the amendment was enacted in accordance with Zimbabwe’s Constitution.

There are four other court cases challenging Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026 before the same court.

Read the full 69 page application via this link https://t.me/informationhubzimbabwe