President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Act (No. 3), 2026, into law. The legislation, which has now been published in an Extraordinary Government Gazette, signifies a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing governance reforms, bringing into effect a series of significant constitutional changes.
This landmark enactment provides the legal framework for amendments previously adopted by Parliament, initiating a restructuring of key state institutions.
Among the most notable changes is the establishment of a dedicated Delimitation Commission, which will now assume responsibility for the critical task of constituency and ward delimitation. This function was previously held by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Furthermore, the Act extends the timeframe for completing delimitation exercises from six months to an eighteen-month period, allowing for more comprehensive and thorough processes.
In a significant overhaul of the judiciary, the legislation introduces a new structure for the leadership of the superior courts. It creates the office of the Judge President of the Supreme Court, effectively separating the administrative functions of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court. Under this new arrangement, the Chief Justice will preside over the Constitutional Court, while the newly established Judge President will assume responsibility for the Supreme Court.
The Constitutional Court’s jurisdiction has also been expanded, empowering it to hear matters that raise arguable points of law of general public importance, provided that leave to appeal has been granted. This broadens the scope of cases the highest court can consider, potentially impacting significant legal precedents.
Further provisions within the Act revise judicial appointment procedures, update the constitutional mandate of the Defence Forces, and remove the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission from the Constitution. It also introduces amendments to the provisions governing the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the Prosecutor-General, streamlining their roles and responsibilities.
At the local government level, the amendment introduces proportional representation seats specifically reserved for women and young people within local authorities, aiming to enhance inclusivity and representation. Additionally, the tenure for the National Council and provincial assemblies of chiefs has been extended from five to seven years, providing greater stability and continuity for traditional leadership structures.
These constitutional amendments are now in full effect, in accordance with the provisions of Act No. 6 of 2026, as officially published in the Extraordinary Government Gazette.
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