ZANU PF Plans Sweeping Constitutional Changes, Including Scrapping Direct Presidential Elections

By Maitengwe Post Reporter

Harare – ZANU PF is reportedly preparing far-reaching constitutional amendments that could fundamentally reshape Zimbabwe’s governance framework, including the removal of direct presidential elections, according to a leaked and unconfirmed memorandum circulating in political circles.

The proposed changes, which are said to be set for presentation to Cabinet, would mark the most significant restructuring of executive authority since 1987, when constitutional reforms introduced the executive presidency.

If adopted, the amendments would alter how the President is elected, extend political terms of office, restructure electoral management, and modify key oversight institutions.

End of Direct Presidential Vote

One of the most consequential proposals is the removal of direct presidential elections. Instead of being elected by popular vote, the President would be chosen by Parliament.

In a political environment where ZANU PF holds a dominant parliamentary majority, such a shift would effectively place the selection of the Head of State in the hands of lawmakers, significantly reducing citizens’ direct participation in presidential elections.

Extension of Terms of Office

The memorandum reportedly proposes extending both presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.

Longer terms would reduce the frequency of elections and extend the tenure of incumbents, potentially limiting regular electoral accountability and delaying opportunities for leadership renewal.

Expanded Presidential Influence in Parliament

The amendments also seek to increase executive influence within the legislature by allowing the President to appoint an additional ten senators.

Critics argue that expanding presidential appointments in Parliament could weaken legislative independence, as appointed members often align with the executive.

Changes to Electoral Administration

Another key proposal involves transferring custody of the voters’ roll from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General’s office.

The shift could raise concerns about electoral transparency, as ZEC is constitutionally mandated to manage elections independently. Separately, the creation of a standalone Delimitation Commission would remove responsibility for constituency boundary demarcation from ZEC, potentially fragmenting electoral management functions.

Judicial Appointment Process

The memorandum reportedly seeks to remove the public interview process for judicial appointments. Public interviews were introduced to promote transparency and merit-based selection within the judiciary. Their removal would significantly alter the current appointment framework.

Security Sector Amendment

Proposed changes also affect the constitutional mandate of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. The wording of their duty would reportedly shift from “to uphold this Constitution” to acting “in accordance with the Constitution,” a modification that could redefine the scope of their constitutional obligation.

Abolition of the Gender Commission

The amendments further propose scrapping the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and merging its functions into the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission. The move would eliminate a standalone body dedicated to monitoring gender equality issues.

Broader Implications

Taken together, the proposed reforms would centralise authority within the executive, extend political tenure, and restructure electoral and oversight institutions.

As the document remains unconfirmed, it is unclear when — or if — the proposed amendments will be formally introduced to Parliament. However, if enacted, they would represent one of the most significant constitutional overhauls in Zimbabwe’s post-independence history.