The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB3) is set to return to the National Assembly after the Senate approved a series of amendments on Wednesday.

The upper house endorsed the bill with the required two-thirds majority, as 75 senators voted in support while four opposed the proposed changes.

Among the key amendments is a revision of the constitutional provisions governing presidential succession. The updated clause clarifies that if the office of the president becomes vacant through death, resignation or removal, the vice-president who was most recently appointed to act in that capacity will assume the presidency until a new election is conducted.

Attorney-General Virginia Mabiiza confirmed that the amended bill will now be sent back to the National Assembly for consideration.

The Senate also introduced provisions requiring the Clerk of Parliament to convene the first sitting of a newly elected Parliament within 14 days after election results are announced. The clerk will oversee proceedings until members elect the Speaker of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate.

In addition, the amendments expand the responsibilities of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), assigning it the duty of recommending laws and national policies aimed at promoting reconciliation, national healing and nation-building.

The National Assembly is scheduled to resume sittings on July 7, when lawmakers are expected to deliberate on the Senate’s proposed changes.

CAB3 seeks to amend several sections of Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution and has sparked considerable debate. Opponents argue the bill strengthens presidential authority, while the government says the reforms are necessary to improve governance and ensure political stability.