Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
POLITICAL analysts have endorsed the parliamentary processes surrounding the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, saying consultations have adhered to established procedures ahead of the next legislative stage.
Parliament is set to close the window for written submissions on May 18, after which the Bill will proceed to the committee stage within the following two weeks.
The proposed amendments target key constitutional provisions, including Sections 92, 95, 143 and 158, which govern the timing and conduct of national elections.
Among the major proposals is the extension of the electoral cycle for the President, Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years, a move welcomed by political scientist Dr Lawrence Mhandara.
Another significant provision introduces a parliamentary process for electing the President, a system political analyst Dr Matthew Mare says aligns Zimbabwe with practices in other democracies, including South Africa.
The Bill also proposes expanding the President’s powers to appoint 10 senators to enhance expertise in the Upper House, alongside the establishment of a Zimbabwe Delimitation Commission.
Once submissions close, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, is expected to table the Bill for its First Reading, while parliamentary committees begin consolidating public input.
Analysts say the current process reflects a structured legislative approach, with the next phase expected to shape the final framework of the proposed constitutional reforms.
