Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
CONSTITUTIONAL Amendment Number 3 Bill has entered the public hearing stage, with stakeholders upbeat about the reforms set to be ushered in to align Zimbabwe with other democracies.
Gazetted on February 16, the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill has for weeks, been open to discussions within the media and other social platforms.
As the clock continues to tick, in 14 days’ time, Parliament will take the Bill to the people before it is tabled in the August House for rigorous debate.
Young people believe the proposed amendments are necessary for national development.
The Bill proposes amendments to certain provisions of the Constitution, including sections 92, 95, 143 and 158.
These provisions relate primarily to the framework governing the timing and conduct of national elections.
“Our elections have been marred with heavy contestations since the turn of the millennium, and courts have become the playground. Now that the electoral cycle is being extended to seven years, it will give ample time for leaders to focus on development,” political analyst Mr Dereck Goto said.
The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill will allow the extension of the electoral cycle for the president, parliament and local authorities from five to seven years.
It also proposes a parliamentary process for the election of the President, as is the case in democracies such as South Africa.
Among other provisions, the President will be allowed to appoint 10 senators, thus widening the expertise base, while setting up the Zimbabwe Delimitation Commission.
