HARARE — A significant political realignment is taking shape in Zimbabwe as opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga appear to be converging against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), the controversial legislation that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years.
The unlikely alliance
Chamisa, leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), and Chiwenga, Zimbabwe's military-backed Vice-President, have historically been on opposite sides of the political divide. However, CAB3 has created a rare point of agreement between them — both stand to lose under the proposed changes.
For Chamisa, CAB3 would weaken democratic accountability by removing direct presidential elections. For Chiwenga, the Bill could delay his path to the presidency by extending Mnangagwa's tenure and shifting power from the ballot box to Parliament, where ZANU-PF's dominance is unchallenged.
Why they oppose CAB3
Under CAB3, the President would be elected by a joint sitting of Parliament rather than by popular vote. This system would heavily favor the ruling party, which holds commanding majorities in both the National Assembly and Senate.
Chiwenga's faction within ZANU-PF is concerned that the Bill is specifically designed to prevent a leadership transition. By extending terms and changing the election mechanism, Mnangagwa could potentially remain in power longer than originally anticipated.
Chamisa has described CAB3 as "an assault on the will of the people," arguing that Zimbabweans voted for a constitution that guarantees direct elections. His party has called for mass protests and civil disobedience if the Bill passes.
Parliamentary maneuvers
The alliance has begun showing in Parliament, where opposition MPs have been coordinating with ZANU-PF backbenchers loyal to Chiwenga to delay CAB3's progress. The Bill is currently at the Second Reading stage, but its supporters have struggled to muster the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.
At least 15 ZANU-PF MPs from Chiwenga's military-aligned faction are reportedly uncommitted, according to parliamentary sources. Combined with the CCC's 33 seats, this could be enough to block the Bill if the opposition holds firm.
Military influence
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have maintained a publicly neutral stance on CAB3, but defense analysts note that senior military officials have expressed private concerns. Chiwenga, a retired army general who led the 2017 military intervention that removed Robert Mugabe, retains significant influence within the security establishment.
Intelligence reports suggest that elements within the Joint Operations Command (JOC), the powerful military-civilian body that coordinates security policy, are uncomfortable with any constitutional change that could destabilize the current succession framework.
Chamisa's strategy
Chamisa has been leveraging the CAB3 debate to position himself as a defender of constitutionalism while simultaneously building bridges with disgruntled ZANU-PF factions. His public statements have avoided direct criticism of Chiwenga, focusing instead on "patriots who put country above party."
Political analyst Dr. Pride Mkono says the alignment is pragmatic: "Chamisa knows he cannot win against ZANU-PF alone. Chiwenga knows he cannot succeed Mnangagwa under CAB3. They don't need to like each other — they just need to stop this Bill."
Government response
President Mnangagwa has dismissed reports of divisions within ZANU-PF, calling CAB3 "a progressive reform that will bring stability." Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has accused opposition elements of "conspiring with anti-national forces to derail development."
State media has avoided reporting on the Chamisa-Chiwenga connection, but social media platforms and independent outlets have widely circulated the story. The government has responded by tightening internet restrictions and warning against "foreign-backed destabilization."
What comes next
The parliamentary debate on CAB3 resumes next week, with a crucial vote expected before the end of June. If the Chamisa-Chiwenga alliance holds, the Bill could be defeated — a scenario that would reshape Zimbabwe's political landscape.
However, political observers warn that failure could push Mnangagwa toward more authoritarian measures, including potential amendments to the parliamentary timetable or direct action against Chiwenga's allies. The coming weeks will test whether this unlikely alliance can survive the pressures of ZANU-PF's internal politics.
Sources: Parliament of Zimbabwe; Veritas Bill Watch; interviews with parliamentary sources and political analysts.
