Amnesty International has called on Zimbabwean authorities to uphold fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026. The organization emphasized the need to guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for all participants, warning that any restrictions could undermine democratic engagement and public trust in the process.
The appeal comes amid concerns about past incidents of violence and suppression of dissent in Zimbabwe. Amnesty stressed that individuals participating in the hearings must be able to express their views freely without fear of intimidation, harassment, arrest, or physical harm. Ensuring a safe and open environment is seen as essential for meaningful public participation and accountability.
The organization highlighted that Zimbabwe’s constitution explicitly protects the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. It urged authorities to ensure that any limitations on these rights are lawful, necessary, and proportionate, cautioning that overly restrictive measures could create a climate of fear and weaken the credibility of the consultation process.
The constitutional amendment bill itself has generated significant debate due to its proposed changes, including extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and altering the method of presidential selection from direct elections to parliamentary appointment. Critics argue that these provisions could consolidate executive power and weaken democratic checks and balances.
Tensions have been further heightened by reports of arrests, detention, and alleged assaults of prominent critics of the bill. As public hearings are scheduled to take place from 30 March to 2 April 2026, Amnesty International has urged the government to take concrete steps to protect participants and ensure that the process remains inclusive, transparent, and respectful of fundamental rights.
