Section 336: References to time
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) In this Constitution, whenever a period of days is expressed—
(a) to begin on or to be reckoned from a particular day, that day is not to be included in
the period;
(b) to end on or to be reckoned to a particular day, that day is to be included in the period.
(2) Subject to this Constitution, whenever the time for doing anything in terms of this Constitution ends or falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the time extends to and the thing may be done on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.
(3) A reference in this Constitution to a month is to be construed as a reference to a calendar month, and a period of months is to be reckoned from the date when the period begins to the corresponding day of the month when the period ends.
(4) A reference in this Constitution without qualification to a year is to be construed as a reference to a period of twelve months.
Insight: This constitutional provision establishes clear rules for calculating time periods in legal contexts. It employs the common legal principle that when counting days from a starting point, the first day is excluded, but when counting to an end point, the final day is included. It also provides practical accommodations by extending deadlines that fall on weekends or holidays to the next business day. These timing rules ensure consistency in the application of constitutional deadlines and time-sensitive requirements.