Legislators have called for heightened security at venues set to host public hearings for the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 later this month, amid growing fears of possible violence and disruptions.
The concerns come as the proposed Bill continues to stir political tensions across the country.
Among its key provisions, the Bill seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and shift the election of the President from a public vote to a parliamentary process.
Opposition parties have accused authorities of blocking their events on the Bill while allowing those organised by the ruling party to proceed.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, opposition legislator Brian James warned of potential disruptions, claiming there were efforts underway to mobilise individuals to interfere with the meetings.
“Last night I received some disturbing news from my constituency that some individuals are mobilising thugs to disrupt the upcoming Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 meetings, not only in my constituency, where one meeting has been allocated but probably in the province,” said James.
“Seeing that this is a parliamentary exercise, can we have an assurance from your Chair that the security forces are well prepared to prevent this sort of thing and that the residents are allowed to hear and give their opinions freely.”
The Constitutional Amendment Bill has been strongly resisted by the opposition, which argues it is designed to extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament beyond 2028.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF appears determined to push ahead with the proposed changes, in line with resolutions adopted at the party’s 2025 annual conference.
Responding to the concerns, Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi assured Parliament that adequate security arrangements were being put in place to safeguard both citizens and legislators during the hearings.
“Thank you Hon. James, for raising that very important point of privilege and indeed, the Administration is making necessary arrangements to make sure that the general populace is going to contribute freely at all centres that are going to be holding the public hearings,” said Gezi.
“Indeed, the security details will be there to ensure that security is available for both the citizens and parliamentarians who are going to be conducting the public hearings.”
