By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
A nationally representative public opinion survey has laid bare Zimbabwe’s deep political fissures over the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 3) Bill—commonly known as CAB3—with citizens sharply divided on extending presidential and parliamentary terms, while overwhelmingly rejecting the involvement of traditional leaders in partisan politics.
The survey, conducted by the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) between April 9 and 18, 2026, interviewed 1,641 respondents nationwide to capture public attitudes before Parliament debates the contentious Bill.
The findings, presented at a Harare media briefing on Thursday, offer a rare empirical snapshot of a nation wrestling with fundamental constitutional questions.
Slim Majority Backs Term Extension
On the Bill’s most controversial provision—extending the presidential and parliamentary mandate from five to seven years—Zimbabweans are narrowly divided. The survey found that 51.3% of respondents support the extension, while 41.2% oppose it, and 7.5% remain undecided.
The slim majority in favour suggests that while there is appetite for longer tenures, the proposal is far from enjoying national consensus—a reality that could complicate its passage through Parliament, where CAB3 requires a two-thirds majority to succeed.
Traditional Leaders in Politics: A Clear Rejection
Beyond the term extension debate, the survey delivered emphatic verdicts on several other CAB3 provisions. Most notably, Zimbabweans firmly rejected the participation of traditional chiefs and headmen in political activities—a departure from current constitutional provisions that permit their involvement in developmental and governance roles but stop short of partisan engagement.
“We are saying the people of Zimbabwe, through our findings, have rejected the issue of traditional leaders participating in political activities,” said Dr Gorden Moyo, Director of PPRIZ, during the report launch.
“This sample tells us that Zimbabweans are averse to the participation of the traditional leadership system in political activities.”
The finding is significant given that traditional leaders command deep cultural authority in rural areas, where they often influence local governance and development. However, the survey suggests citizens draw a clear line between custodianship of culture and political partisanship—a distinction that CAB3 proponents may need to heed.
Gender Commission, Electoral Corruption Also in Spotlight
The survey also revealed strong public opposition to another CAB3 provision: the dissolution of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission. While the Bill proposes merging several independent commissions to streamline governance, respondents signalled that dismantling a dedicated gender equality body is an unpopular move.
Additionally, corruption in elections emerged as a major concern. “Zimbabweans also raised the issue that elections are associated with corruption,” Dr Moyo noted. “Elections taking place over and over in Zimbabwe have a core relationship with corruption.”
This perception strikes at the heart of the electoral reform debate, potentially undermining public confidence in any future polls—including those that would fall under a seven-year cycle if CAB3 passes.
Political Division Demands Attention
Launching the report, Dr Moyo stressed that the survey’s broader message is one of national fragmentation. “The country is highly divided, and that’s what we as researchers, as academics, have found in 2026,” he said, noting that similar patterns emerged in a 2023 national survey.
He called on policymakers and political actors to take the findings seriously. “Our survey was national, and we believe our findings are achieved. This message is to the powers that be, to policymakers, and to you as the mouthpiece of society, to appreciate that there is a division in the country that needs attention.”
Context: What Is CAB3?
The Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 3) Bill, tabled in Parliament earlier this year, proposes sweeping changes to the country’s supreme law. Key provisions include:
Extending the President’s term from five to seven years
Extending parliamentary terms from five to seven years
Restructuring or dissolving several independent commissions, including the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
Clarifying the role of traditional leaders in governance, with some interpretations suggesting expanded political participation
Proponents argue the amendments will enhance policy continuity and reduce the frequency of costly elections. Critics, however, view the changes as a power consolidation move that undermines democratic accountability and institutional independence.
The PPRIZ survey now provides empirical data that both sides of the debate will likely cite as Parliament continues its deliberations.
What Happens Next?
With the Bill still under parliamentary review, the survey findings add pressure on legislators to weigh public sentiment against party positions. The rejection of traditional leaders in politics, in particular, may force a rethink of that clause—while the narrow term-extension support suggests any outcome will leave a significant portion of the population dissatisfied.
As Dr Moyo put it: “Zimbabweans are divided, and that division requires urgent attention—not just in Parliament, but across every platform where the future of this country is being shaped.”
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