Story by John Nhandara
PUBLIC hearings on the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill opened to a strong response on Monday, with large crowds gathering at venues across Zimbabwe to contribute to the consultative process.
At the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, the venue reached full capacity as hundreds of residents turned out, underscoring heightened public interest in the proposed constitutional changes.
The hearings are providing citizens with an opportunity to submit both oral and written contributions before the Bill is tabled for debate in the National Assembly.
Participants who attended the sessions expressed appreciation for the platform, with many voicing support for the proposed amendments.
“We are happy to have been afforded an opportunity to air our views on this bill, which I personally fully support,” a resident said.
“The bill is a positive step in maintaining development in the country,” another participant noted.
“I think the bill will enable us to focus on development rather than disturbances that are associated with elections,” a third resident said.
Chairperson of the Public Hearings Team, Senator Eleven Kambizi, said the exercise had begun on a high note, with strong participation recorded.
“Attendance was overwhelming. The venue was fully packed. People came in their numbers they spoke. We listened, it is an ongoing exercise which is going on throughout the country, and it ends on Thursday, the second of May. We will compile all the input and submit,” he said.
Among its key proposals, the amendment seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, while also introducing a parliamentary process in the election of the president.
The consultations are continuing nationwide, with authorities expected to consolidate public input before the legislative process advances to the next stage.
