Constitutional Watch
Monitoring and documenting constitutional breaches — because accountability requires evidence.
Why Constitutional Watch?
The Constitution is not just a document — it is a living framework of rights, protections, and obligations. When those protections are violated, citizens must know. CDF's Constitutional Watch tracks breaches, documents patterns, and holds duty-bearers accountable.
Active Constitutional Threats
Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3)
The most significant threat to Zimbabwe's constitutional order since 2013. CAB3 proposes to abolish direct presidential elections, extend terms from 5 to 7 years, dissolve independent commissions, and consolidate executive power — all without the constitutionally required referendum.
Full analysis →Suppression of Civic Assembly
Police blocking of CDF launch meetings (27 February 2026), armed deployments at activists' offices (5 March), and arrests of civic leaders (21 March) represent systematic violations of the rights of assembly and expression guaranteed under Sections 58, 59, and 67 of the Constitution.
Intimidation of Legal Practitioners
The arrest of lawyers and human rights defenders while exercising their professional duties — documented by the International Association of People's Lawyers (IAPL) and Human Rights Watch — constitutes a breach of Section 68 (right to access courts) and international standards on the independence of the legal profession.
Flawed Public Consultation Process
The CAB3 public hearings (30 March – 4 April) were marred by violence, alleged abductions, and exclusion of opposition voices — failing to meet the constitutional standard for genuine public consultation required under Section 328.
How to Report a Breach
If you witness or experience a constitutional breach — intimidation, suppression of assembly, violations of due process — document it carefully:
Record dates, times, locations, and names of officials involved.
If safe to do so, capture photo or video evidence.
Report to CDF at info@cdfzim.org.