Professor Lovemore Madhuku, the president of the National Constitutional Assembly in Zimbabwe, has publicly criticized the parliamentary public consultation process concerning the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3. He described the consultations as "meaningless" and highlighted that they fail to adequately represent the views of ordinary citizens. Madhuku particularly targeted Speaker Jacob Mudenda, accusing him of not effectively separating his party functions from his responsibilities as the parliamentary speaker. This conflict of interest further undermines the legitimacy of the consultation process.

Madhuku expressed his concerns directly to journalists in Harare, where he emphasized that the methods employed for gathering public opinion, such as email submissions and physical visits to Parliament, are inaccessible to a large part of the population. In his view, the call for citizens to participate conveniently neglects the reality that many Zimbabweans do not have access to email services or the means to travel to Parliament, suggesting that the methodology disproportionately favors a small, privileged segment of society.

This criticism raises significant questions about the inclusivity and effectiveness of the constitutional amendment process in Zimbabwe. As the country grapples with various socio-economic challenges, the ability for citizens to contribute to discussions about their governance is vital. Madhuku's remarks reflect broader concerns about governmental transparency and accountability, indicating a disconnect between the Parliament's actions and the needs of the populace.