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The Parliamentary Vote Bill Clears the National AssemblyOn June 3, 2026, Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3 passed the National Assembly with 216 votes in favour and 42 against, moving the proposal to the Senate for the required two‑thirds majority.Bill objective: Amend the 2013 Constitution to have the president elected by a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly instead of a direct popular vote.Supporters' claim: The change will ensure policy continuity and give President Emmerson Mnangagwa more time to complete his development agenda.Opponents' fear: The amendment could weaken democratic accountability and enable Mnangagwa to extend his influence beyond the constitutional end of his term in 2028.Numbers Behind the ControversyThe bill would empower just 210 MPs to decide the fate of a nation of roughly 15 million citizens. A parliamentary committee claimed 99.4 % of public submissions supported the amendment, a figure disputed by civil‑society groups who allege intimidation and vote‑buying.Why the Bill Threatens Zimbabwe’s Democratic FabricHuman‑rights defenders argue that removing direct elections eliminates one of the few mechanisms for citizens to hold leaders accountable. Activists such as Barnabas Gura and Pride Mkono warn that the move could usher in a de‑facto one‑party state, deepening economic decline and social impoverishment.Allegations of Bribery and IntimidationReports surfaced of businessman Wicknell Chivayo offering MPs cash and vehicles—up to $3.6 million—to secure votes. Opposition lawmakers who accepted gifts, like Susan Matsunga, have faced criticism for supporting the bill.Legal Frontlines and Future OutlookWith the amendment now headed to the Senate, opponents are filing multiple legal challenges, including a High Court petition by activist Youngerson Matete seeking a referendum. However, confidence in the judiciary is low, and many cases are being dismissed on technical grounds.Analysts predict that even if the bill clears the Senate, sustained civil‑society mobilisation and international pressure will be crucial in shaping Zimbabwe’s political trajectory ahead of the 2028 presidential deadline.