Biti's group launches campaign to overturn Mnangagwa's constitutional changes

by Staff reporter


A broad coalition of churches, labour unions, civic organisations, students, war veterans and opposition political figures has launched a nationwide campaign to challenge Zimbabwe's newly enacted constitutional amendments in court while mobilising peaceful civic action, escalating resistance to legislation critics say undermines constitutional democracy.

The coalition, Sungano yeVanhu–Ubumbano Lomphakathi (Alliance of the People), announced on Wednesday that it was reconstituting itself as the Constitutional Restoration Movement, a day after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026, formerly Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), into law.

Convened by Reverend Dr Kupukwashe Mtata, the alliance brings together churches, constitutional advocacy groups, labour organisations, student bodies, women's organisations, residents' associations, liberation war veterans, civic groups and opposition political leaders who have jointly opposed the constitutional changes.

Among its prominent members are former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Jameson Timba, Jacob Ngarivhume and Munyaradzi Gwisayi.

The announcement represents the coalition's first coordinated response since the President assented to the legislation.

"Our struggle was to defend the Constitution from an impending violation. Today, our struggle is to restore constitutional order," Mtata told a press briefing in Harare.

"Accordingly, Sungano yeVanhu–Ubumbano Lomphakathi today formally transitions into the Constitutional Restoration Movement and launches the Restore the Constitution Campaign."

The coalition said it had instructed its legal team to immediately approach the Constitutional Court seeking to have the amendments declared invalid.

"With Presidential assent now having been granted, the constitutional issues... have crystallised into a live constitutional controversy suitable for final judicial determination," the coalition said.

"Sungano has therefore instructed its legal team to immediately institute proceedings before the Constitutional Court challenging the constitutional validity of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026."

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In addition to the legal challenge, the movement unveiled plans for nationwide constitutional education campaigns, public meetings, petitions, prayer gatherings, peaceful demonstrations and other lawful forms of civic engagement.

It said consultations were already underway with churches, labour unions, students, women's groups, youth organisations, residents' associations, professional bodies, business leaders, traditional leaders, liberation war veterans and political parties to coordinate a programme of nationwide peaceful action.

"Upon completion of these consultations, the nation will be informed of the agreed programme and the date on which the nationwide peaceful mass action will commence," the coalition said.

"Our objective is to ensure that this becomes the broadest constitutional mobilisation in Zimbabwe's democratic history."

Mtata emphasised that the campaign would remain non-violent.

"Our methods shall remain peaceful. Our conduct shall remain disciplined. Our struggle shall remain constitutional. Violence has no place in constitutional restoration," he said.

The movement also appealed to regional and international organisations to support its efforts.

"We call upon SADC, the African Union and the international community to stand with the people of Zimbabwe as they peacefully pursue the restoration of constitutional democracy," the statement said.

Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 has emerged as one of Zimbabwe's most contentious constitutional reforms since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution.

According to the coalition, the legislation abolishes direct presidential elections and replaces them with an indirect system under which citizens elect Members of Parliament, who would in turn elect the President. The law also extends the terms of office of the President and Members of Parliament from five years to seven years.

The Government and the ruling ZANU-PF have defended the amendments, arguing that they will improve governance, promote policy continuity and reduce the costs associated with holding frequent elections.
Source - newzimbabwe