Story by Peter Chivhima
SUPPORT for the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill is gathering momentum ahead of its presentation in Parliament, with various organisations backing the proposed changes as key to advancing national development.
With the Bill set to be tabled in the coming days, ZANU-PF affiliates and civic organisations say the proposed amendments will enhance policy consistency and allow for sustained implementation of development programmes.
National Coordinator for Retired Security of Zimbabwe, Ms Maria John said the Bill would enable greater focus on long-term national priorities.
“As an organisation, we are fully behind the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill because we cannot continue going for elections, but instead focus on developing our nation,” she said.
Director of the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Farai Kambarami said the proposed changes would strengthen governance efforts.
“Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill is critical because the policies made by the Government are helping in the fight against corruption. This Bill must sail through,” he said.
Director of National Projects, Mr Brighton Songore described the Bill as a tool for continuity and development.
“Constitutional Amendment Number 3 must sail through, as it is a vehicle for development and continuity. Our President must continue with the trajectory and the momentum of building our nation,” he said.
Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of policy stability, noting that longer electoral cycles would allow for more effective implementation of national projects.
Deputy Director of the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Alvin Makufa said ongoing Government interventions require time to yield results.
“As an organisation, we are saying that since the inception of the Second Republic, the President is committed to fighting issues of corruption. The influx of drugs in our country, which is affecting our children, is being fought by the Government,” he said.
The Bill proposes, among other provisions, extending the electoral cycle from five to seven years.
Earlier this month, nationwide public consultations were conducted, providing citizens with an opportunity to contribute their views on the proposed amendments ahead of parliamentary debate.
