Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
COMMERCIAL lawyers have expressed support for the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, which is set to enter the public hearing stage on March 30.
They argue that a referendum is not required, citing the specific sections of the Constitution targeted for amendment.
The lawyers also noted the distinction within the profession, explaining that some are litigators who operate in courtrooms, while others work behind the scenes, structuring legal and commercial agreements.
Transactional lawyers are alive to the nexus between shorter electoral cycles, longer electoral cycles and the investment environment.
The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill was gazetted on February 16 and has, for weeks, been open to discussions within the media and other social platforms.
In a few days, Parliament will take the Bill to the people before it is tabled in the August House for rigorous debate.
The Bill proposes amendments to certain provisions of the Constitution, including sections 92, 95, 143 and 158, and these provisions relate primarily to the framework governing the timing and conduct of national elections.
“As a commerce lawyer, I think the Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill does not require a referendum for execution. Extending the electoral cycle from five to seven years is also critical for the development of the country as it encompasses the terms of parliamentarians and local authorities,” Dr Clement Mukwasi said.
Political analyst, Dr Mathew Mare, applauds the bill for introducing the Zimbabwe Delimitation Commission.
“Like other jurisdictions, delimitation is not done by the electoral commission as there is a conflict of interest, hence the desire to move the delimitation process away from ZEC under the constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill,” he said.
The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill will allow the extension of the electoral cycle for the president, parliament and local authorities from five to seven years.
It also proposes a parliamentary process for the election of the President, as is the case in democracies such as South Africa.
Among other provisions, the President will be allowed to appoint 10 senators, thereby widening the expertise base, while setting up the Zimbabwe Delimitation Commission.
