All Constitution Sections

Section 110: Executive functions of President and Cabinet

Constitution of Zimbabwe

(1) The President has the powers conferred by this Constitution and by any Act of Parliament or other law, including those necessary to exercise the functions of Head of State.

(2) Subject to this Constitution, the President is responsible for—

    (a) assenting to and signing Bills;

    (b) referring a Bill to the Constitutional Court for an opinion or advice on its

constitutionality;

    (c) summoning the National Assembly, the Senate or Parliament to an extraordinary

sitting to conduct special business;

    (d) making appointments which the Constitution or legislation requires the President to

make;

    (e) calling elections in terms of this Constitution;

    (f) calling referendums on any matter in accordance with the law;

    (g) deploying the Defence Forces;

    (h) conferring honours and awards;

          (i) appointing ambassadors, plenipotentiaries, and diplomatic and consular

representatives; and

    (j) receiving and recognising foreign diplomatic and consular representatives.

(3) Subject to this Constitution, the Cabinet is responsible for—

    (a) directing the operations of Government;

    (b) conducting Government business in Parliament;

    (c) preparing, initiating and implementing national legislation;

    (d) developing and implementing national policy; and

    (e) advising the President.

(4) Subject to this Constitution, the President may conclude or execute conventions, treaties and agreements with foreign states and governments and international organisations.

(5) A decision by the President must be in writing if it is taken in terms of legislation.

(6) In the exercise of his or her executive functions, the President must act on the advice of the Cabinet, except when he or she is acting in terms of subsection (2) above.

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AI Insights

Key Insight: Presidential Powers vs. Cabinet Authority

This section establishes a careful balance of power in Zimbabwe's executive branch. While the President holds significant ceremonial and diplomatic powers (appointments, honors, international relations), many substantive governance functions require Cabinet involvement. The final clause (subsection 6) is particularly important as it mandates that the President must act on Cabinet advice for most executive functions, creating a check on presidential authority and promoting collective decision-making in governance.