Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
THE debate on the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill enters a critical phase this Tuesday as Parliament resumes deliberations on what has become one of the most extensively debated pieces of legislation in recent years.
The Bill has generated sustained engagement in the National Assembly, with legislators from across the political divide contributing their views on a range of proposed constitutional changes.
One of the most prominent proposals under discussion has been the extension of the electoral cycle from five to seven years, a provision that has attracted significant support during the debate.
Other proposals that have gained traction include granting the President authority to appoint an additional 10 senators and introducing a parliamentary process for the election of the President.
Legislators have also expressed differing views on proposals to merge the Gender Commission and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, as well as on the participation of traditional leaders in politics.
As debate enters its seventh day, more Members of Parliament are expected to take the floor before the House considers the next stage of the legislative process.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi indicated that Parliament could move to the committee stage if the number of remaining contributors is limited.
“On Tuesday, we will allow those who still want to debate to do so. Once we are satisfied that all Members of Parliament who wish to contribute have had the opportunity, I will deliver my response, addressing the issues raised by honourable members. That will pave the way for us to move to the committee stage of the Bill.
“It all depends on how the debate progresses on Tuesday; some honourable members are now repeating points that have already been raised, and the appetite for debate appears to be slowing down. If all goes well, we may have fewer MPs wishing to debate, allowing us to proceed. However, the decision rests with those who still want to contribute. I will assess on Tuesday how many have registered to debate, and if the number is small, we can move on to the committee stage,” he said.
Among its key provisions, the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill proposes transferring responsibility for administering the voters’ roll from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Registrar General’s Office, while also providing for the establishment of the Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission.
With debate now entering a decisive stage, attention will be on Parliament this week as legislators continue scrutinising the proposed constitutional changes before the Bill advances further through the legislative process.
