Story by Fungai Jachi
CHIREDZI residents turned out in large numbers to participate in Parliament-led public hearings on the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, expressing strong support for measures aimed at promoting good governance and policy continuity.
Community members welcomed key proposals, including transferring voter registration from ZEC to the Registrar General, extending the President’s and Parliament’s terms from five to seven years, and allowing Chiefs to participate in politics.
“I support clause two, which seeks to transfer voter registration and the voters’ roll from ZEC to the Registrar General because it will make voter registration easier,” a resident said.
“Clause three, which seeks to change the Presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven, is good for us because it promotes continuity,” a community member said.
“Chiefs should be free to participate in politics, so I support that clause,” a chief said.
“Women’s rights are human rights, so if the issues of rights are handled by one institution, it will be better,” a female resident said.
“Having Parliamentarians vote for the President is a good move because it will save time and resources,” a participant said.
Some, however, feel that doing away with the Gender Commission may jeopardise the upholding of the rights of women and girls.
“I think having the Human Rights handling issues of rights is a good move, my only worry is if women’s rights will be looked at separately, like what was being done by the Gender Commission,” a participant said.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Edson Zvobgo, was impressed by the level of knowledge exhibited by the participants.
“It went well, and I was impressed by how the people were prepared; they showed that they are well-read on the amendments before us. It was peaceful, and everyone made meaningful contributions,” he said.
Some of the proposed changes include the appointment of 10 more Senators by the President, increasing the number from 80 to 90 to widen options for the selection of Ministers, and also the involvement of Chiefs in the political space.
In Masvingo Province, the public consultations were also taken to Zaka to give people from that district a chance to make their contributions towards the proposed changes. And these public hearings will continue until April 2.
