Zimbabwe’s political future faces another important legal test after the Constitutional Court reserved judgment in a challenge against Constitutional Amendment No. 3, legislation that changes presidential terms and the country's electoral system.

The case was brought by Eliphas Kawa and Hazvineyi Machingura, who are challenging the constitutionality of the amendment signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on July 7, 2026.

The legislation extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, moves the next general election from 2028 to 2030 and replaces direct presidential elections with a system in which Parliament elects the President.

The applicants argue that the changes interfere with citizens’ constitutional right to choose their preferred presidential candidate. They also contend that a national referendum was necessary before the amendment could become law.

Following the court hearing in Harare on November 2, the Constitution Defenders Forum confirmed that the Constitutional Court had reserved its judgment. This means the legal challenge remains unresolved.

The case is among several constitutional challenges targeting different aspects of Amendment No. 3. Other applicants have raised questions about the amendment process and whether extending the terms of serving officeholders complies with constitutional safeguards.

The court’s eventual decision could have significant implications for Zimbabwe’s electoral arrangements, constitutional protections and political future.

For now, the amendment remains in force while the applicants await the court’s determination. No final ruling has yet been announced in the Kawa and Machingura case.