Story by Panashe Nagoli
POLITICAL analysts say the ongoing public consultation process on the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, which ends early next week, reflects Zimbabwe’s growing constitutional democracy.
The nationwide consultations on the proposed amendment are expected to conclude within the next few days.
The proposed piece of legislation seeks, among several clauses, to extend the electoral cycle from five to seven years, transfer the functions of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), and repeal Section 281(2) of the Constitution which states that traditional leaders should not be members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics.
The 90-day consultation period began on February 16 when the Speaker of Parliament gazetted the bill, but before the proposed law heads to the National Assembly, what do political scholars make of the legislative processes that have taken place so far?
“What we have seen in the ninety days is nothing but a sign of a democracy that is maturing. The public consultation is a creature of constitutionalism, and Parliament demonstrated maturity by holding a seamless process, but above all, it is also critical to note the high interest from Zimbabweans in the bill. This shows a citizenry that is actively engaged in matters of its own legislation and governance,” Political Analyst Mr. Lazarus Sauti said.
Between March 30 and April 2, Parliament led public hearings over the bill in 65 venues across 10 provinces where Zimbabweans came in their numbers to air their views.
“Zimbabweans have been clear, and I think we will see this when the parliamentary committees sit and compile reports. You look at the fact that every sector has endorsed the bill from religious groups, students, and even business leaders,” Political Analyst Dr Matthew Mare said.
Now, a few weeks back, I sat down for an exclusive interview with Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, to understand the next steps following the conclusion of public consultations, and he said this.
“After the consultations, I will give formal notice and presentation of the bill in the National Assembly, and after that I will make my first reading speech and then Parliamentary committees sit before the second reading when I go into detail giving the rationale of each clause,” he said.
Starting this Monday, all eyes will now be on this August House as Zimbabweans await the first reading of the Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill and the subsequent debates that will follow.
