Story by Panashe Nagoli
THE Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill has formally entered the parliamentary process after Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, conducted its First Reading in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The introduction of the Bill at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden marks the beginning of legislative scrutiny of the proposed constitutional amendments, setting the stage for debate by Members of Parliament in the coming days.
The Bill, which comprises 22 clauses, was gazetted on 16 February following Cabinet approval granted on 10 February.
The First Reading serves as the formal presentation of legislation to Parliament and clears the way for subsequent stages of consideration and debate.
If enacted, the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill would introduce changes to Zimbabwe’s governance framework, including provisions relating to the election of the President, the electoral cycle and the management of the voters’ roll, among other constitutional matters.
Presenting the Bill before the House, Honourable Ziyambi said the proposed amendments are intended to strengthen governance systems and enhance institutional clarity.
“The Bill, Mr Speaker Sir, seeks to clarify roles, strengthen constitutional governance and ensure that the country’s governance structures and institutions are strengthened,” he said.
More than 100 days after being gazetted, the Bill has now progressed to the parliamentary stage, with the Second Reading expected to begin on Wednesday.
“We will do the Second Reading speech tomorrow, Mr Speaker Sir,” Honourable Ziyambi told the House.
The Second Reading will provide legislators with an opportunity to debate the principles, objectives and implications of the proposed amendments before the Bill advances to the next stages of the legislative process.
Parliament is expected to witness heightened activity as deliberations on the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill commence in the National Assembly.
