Parliament clashes over proposal to lift political ban on traditional leaders

By staff writer, Parliamentary Watch

HARARE, June 9, 2026 – A proposal in Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3 to remove restrictions on traditional leaders’ participation in partisan politics sparked sharp disagreement in Parliament, with MPs warning it could divide communities and undermine local dispute resolution, while supporters argued chiefs are citizens with full political rights.

Opponents said chiefs play a unique role in rural governance, including conflict mediation, customary courts and coordinating community-level assistance, and must remain impartial.

Hon. S. Moyo argued traditional leaders “should represent everyone,” not one party, while Hon. Chitimbe warned that partisan involvement could make communities view chiefs as favouring one political side, and could weaken their authority after elections.

Hon. Matsunga also rejected the idea, stressing that chiefs’ traditional courts are widely used and depend on non-partisanship.

On the other side, proponents said chiefs already engage with politics in practice, and the law should not criminalise them if they choose formal participation. During the debate, some MPs argued the amendments are about choice not compulsion.

Traditional structures remain central in land matters, family disputes, and access to aid the outcome of this clause could have direct consequences for local justice and social cohesion, especially in politically contested areas.

As the National Assembly adjourned late Tuesday, the fate of CAB3 remained in the balance, with the second reading debate set to resume on Wednesday, June 10.

For rural communities across Zimbabwe, the outcome of this legislative battle will determine whether traditional leadership remains a neutral, unifying force or becomes the latest frontier for partisan politics. While government proponents argue the amendment simply restores the personal freedoms of traditional leaders, critics maintain that in the fragile ecosystem of village justice, a “political Chief” may leave those in the margins with nowhere left to turn.

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