Zimbabwe is once again being pushed into a very dangerous political moment. A new Constitutional Amendment Bill, known as Amendment Bill No.3, is expected to be gazetted very soon, possibly before Christmas. This bill is not normal and it is not harmless. Its clear aim is to open a path for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in power beyond 2028 and rule until 2030. As a political activist who stands against ZANU PF rule, I see this as a direct attack on democracy and on the will of the people.

A senior cabinet minister has openly confirmed that this bill is ready. The drafting work has already been completed by legal experts working under the Attorney General and the Justice Minister. All that remains is approval by cabinet and the formal steps to bring the bill before parliament. This should worry every citizen because it proves that this plan is not a rumor. It is real, serious, and already moving forward.

Once cabinet gives approval, the Minister of Justice will introduce the bill in parliament and manage it on behalf of the executive. Parliament will then instruct government printers to publish the bill in the Government Gazette. The Clerk of Parliament is responsible for making sure this publication happens. For any constitutional amendment, the law says the exact wording must be published at least ninety days before debate begins. This period is supposed to allow public discussion, but in Zimbabwe such debates are often ignored or tightly controlled.

After the ninety days pass, the bill will go through debates in both the National Assembly and the Senate. If both houses pass it with a two thirds majority, it will be sent to the president for signing. Once signed, it becomes law. This process may look legal on paper, but legality does not mean fairness. Under a captured system, laws are often used to protect power instead of people.

The anger across the country comes from one simple issue. This amendment affects how long the president stays in office. Our constitution clearly set limits to stop this exact abuse. Sections 91, 95, and 328 are very clear. Section 91 blocks anyone who has already served two terms from being elected again. Section 95 states that a presidential term is five years. Section 328 protects term limits from being changed to benefit those already in power.

Section 328(9) is even more important. It says that any amendment that benefits the current president on term limits must go to a national referendum and also get a two thirds majority in parliament. This means the people must be asked directly. This is the heart of democracy and cannot be ignored.

ZANU PF is now trying to play with words. They claim the amendment only changes the duration of the presidency and not term limits. This is an insult to the intelligence of Zimbabweans. Changing the length of time to benefit the same person is the same as changing term limits. The result is the same. Power is extended without consent.

This issue is not about law. It is about power and fear of losing it. Zimbabweans must speak out now. Silence means surrender. The constitution belongs to the people, not to one man or one party. If this amendment passes without a referendum, our democracy will be buried quietly, just in time for Christmas.

History will judge this moment. Our children will ask where we stood when the constitution was under attack. I choose to resist. I choose to speak. I choose to stand against ZANU PF and any plan that turns Zimbabwe into a personal kingdom for the powerful at all costs.