Our Constitutional Journey
From the Lancaster House Agreement to the 2013 Promise — and the fight to defend it.
Lancaster House Agreement
The peace agreement that ended the liberation war and established the framework for Zimbabwe's independence. The Lancaster House Constitution, while a compromise, set the foundation for democratic governance.
The Constitutional Commission
The President appointed a commission to draft a new constitution. However, the process lacked the standards for a truly people-centered document, and was widely seen as government-directed rather than citizen-driven.
The People's Rejection
Following a campaign led by the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) and other civic groups, the government's draft constitution was massively rejected by the people of Zimbabwe in a February 2000 referendum. This was a historic exercise of people power — demonstrating that Zimbabweans would not accept a constitution that failed to reflect their aspirations.
The Constitution-Making Process
During the Government of National Unity, a new constitution-making process began. This was more inclusive, with extensive public consultations across all provinces. Key figures including Tendai Biti participated in the Kariba Draft negotiations that shaped the final document.
A New Dawn — The 2013 Constitution
On 22 May 2013, after years of consultation and a referendum where 3 million citizens voted "Yes," the current Constitution was promulgated (Amendment Act 20). It established a Declaration of Rights, independent commissions, term limits, direct presidential elections, and protections against constitutional manipulation — including the critical Section 328.
Constitutional Amendment No. 1
The first amendment, passed under the new constitution, altered the appointment process for the Chief Justice and other senior judicial officers.
Constitutional Amendment No. 2
The second amendment further modified the constitutional framework, continuing a pattern of executive-driven changes that raised concerns among constitutional scholars and civic organizations.
Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 — The Crisis
Gazetted on 16 February 2026, CAB3 represents the most dangerous assault on Zimbabwe's constitutional order. It proposes to abolish direct presidential elections, extend terms to 7 years, dissolve independent commissions, and concentrate power in the executive — all without the constitutionally required referendum.
Read the full crisis analysis →