HARARE, Zimbabwe —Britain says proposed amendments to Zimbabwe’s constitution — including provisions that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 — remain a sovereign matter, but raised concern over reported harassment of critics, writes Kelvin Jakachira.
Jenny Chapman, responding to a question in the UK Parliament by David Alton, said constitutional reform is for Zimbabwe to determine, while stressing the importance of democratic freedoms.
“Amendment of the Zimbabwean Constitution is a sovereign, legislative matter for Zimbabwe to determine,” Chapman said.
“At the same time, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are fundamental components of any functioning democracy.”
The remarks come as Zimbabwe considers Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026, which proposes extending the presidential term from five to seven years and introducing a system where the president is elected by Parliament rather than through a direct popular vote.
The bill would also remove public interviews for judges, a move critics say could expand executive influence over key legal offices, including the Prosecutor General and Attorney General.
Opposition figures and civil society actors have reported increased intimidation linked to their resistance to the proposals.
Among those affected is Tendai Biti, a constitutional lawyer and convener of the Constitution Defenders Forum, who was recently arrested alongside colleague Morgan Ncube in Mutare while campaigning against the amendments.
The pair were later released on strict bail conditions.
Earlier this month, Lovemore Madhuku and other activists were reportedly attacked by armed assailants during a meeting in Harare.
Additional incidents targeted opposition leader Jameson Timba and Ibbo Mandaza, raising further alarm among rights groups.
Supporters of the bill argue that extending presidential terms could reduce frequent election cycles and allow for long-term policy implementation, promoting political stability.
However, critics contend the reforms risk weakening democratic accountability and entrenching Mnangagwa’s rule.
They also argue that such sweeping constitutional changes should be subject to a national referendum, rather than being passed through Parliament, where the ruling party holds a two-thirds majority.
The bill, gazetted on Feb. 16, is currently undergoing a 90-day public consultation process ahead of parliamentary debate.
Opposition groups have dismissed the consultations as superficial, citing increased surveillance and pressure on dissenting voices.
Chapman said the British Embassy in Harare is closely monitoring developments and remains engaged with government officials, civil society and other stakeholders.
“Political parties, civil society and journalists in Zimbabwe should be able to operate without harassment,” she said.
“We underline the importance of transparent, inclusive and lawful processes, and of ensuring that political space remains open and protected.”