By A Correspondent-Zanu PF has in Mudzi District instructed churches to suspend Sunday services to allow congregants to attend a party meeting linked to the controversial ED2030 agenda.
A letter dated 25 March 2026, issued under the Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial structures, directs church leaders to halt services on Sunday, 29 March, to make way for an inter-district political meeting to be addressed by Provincial Chairman Cde D. Garwe at Kotwa High School.
“In light of this important meeting, you are kindly encouraged to suspend church services on that day to allow congregants to attend,” reads part of the letter.
The directive, addressed to church leaders in Mudzi, has raised concerns about the blurring of lines between political mobilisation and religious freedom, with critics arguing that the instruction amounts to undue political interference in church activities.
The development comes amid growing reports that Zanu PF is intensifying efforts nationwide to mobilise support for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which proposes extending the term of elected officials from five to seven years — a move widely associated with the ED2030 campaign, aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule.
Across the country, there have been allegations that villagers are being pressured to sign pre-written petitions and letters supporting the proposed amendments. While citizens have a constitutional right to express their views, concerns have been raised that some signatures are being obtained under coercion, with others allegedly fabricated to project overwhelming public support.
Sources indicate that organisers are collecting personal details, including national identity numbers, before instructing individuals to sign documents, often without proper verification. Claims that over four million signatures have been gathered have also been questioned, particularly given recent electoral figures and reported internal divisions within Zanu PF over the proposed changes.
Analysts say the current developments reflect a long-standing pattern of coercive mobilisation in Zimbabwe’s rural areas, where communities have historically been pressured to attend political events or support ruling party initiatives. During past election cycles — notably in 2000, 2002 and 2008 — there were widespread reports of villagers being “frog-marched” to rallies and polling stations, often under the watch of local party structures and traditional leaders.
In many cases, access to essential resources such as food aid and farming inputs has reportedly been tied to political loyalty, raising concerns about the erosion of free political participation.
The involvement of church structures in the current mobilisation drive has further intensified debate, with critics warning that it risks undermining the independence of religious institutions and exploiting congregants for political purposes.
Meanwhile, Parliament is conducting public consultations on the proposed constitutional amendments. However, concerns persist over the limited number of consultation centres — reportedly just 64 nationwide — which critics say excludes many Zimbabweans, particularly those in remote areas.
Legal experts have also pointed to constitutional hurdles. Under Section 328 of the Constitution, amendments relating to term limits may require a referendum, and cannot be applied retroactively to benefit current office holders.
As the debate intensifies, civil society groups are calling for greater transparency, expanded public participation and strict adherence to constitutional procedures.
The unfolding developments raise broader questions about whether the constitutional reform process reflects the genuine will of the people — or the influence of political power structures extending into community and religious spaces.
