HARARE - Zimbabwe’s Senate passed a controversial constitutional amendment bill Wednesday, strengthening presidential powers over key institutions in a vote that exposed deep divisions and apparent cracks in the main opposition party.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3) passed by a vote of 75-4 with one abstention in the 80-member chamber.
The ruling ZANU-PF party and its allies secured the landslide majority despite the Citizens’ Coalition for Change holding 27 seats.
Only four senators voted against the measure, while one abstained, indicating that a significant number of opposition senators either were absent or did not oppose the bill.
The amendments would expand the president’s authority to appoint judges, extend certain terms of office and tighten control over the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, among other changes. Government officials described the changes as necessary to “streamline governance” and remove colonial-era inconsistencies.
Opposition lawmakers condemned the bill as an undemocratic power grab.
“This is not reform. It is an amputation of the last checks on executive power,” said Sen. Rudo Moyo of the CCC during debate.
The bill now heads to the National Assembly for concurrence before it can be sent to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for assent.
The changes require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament to pass.
Wednesday’s vote comes amid ongoing tensions between ZANU-PF and the CCC, which has accused the government of using legislative maneuvers to entrench its control ahead of future elections.Details on which senators voted against the bill or abstained were not immediately released.