Story by John Nhandara
SUPPORT for the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill is gaining momentum, with the Mugodhi Apostolic Church emerging as the latest religious group to endorse the proposed changes.
The backing was declared during the annual Abibi Passover ceremony held at the church’s shrine in Chitope, Wedza, this Tuesday, where congregants said the amendment would strengthen governance structures and enhance the country’s democratic framework.
“We are fully supporting the extension of the Presidential term from five to seven years and a parliamentary process in the election of the President,” a congregant said.
“As women from the Mugodhi apostolic sect, we have witnessed various empowerment projects to do with women taking place across the country; as such, the President must continue to lead,” another added.
“The developments that we have seen are massive. Airport construction, the Trabablas interchange and many other. We want to see the President continue on this development path,” another weighed in.
Church leadership also endorsed the Bill, citing its potential to refine the country’s legal and administrative systems.
“It is a bill that we asked for as people, as the church. It speaks to our wishes. So we are in full support of extending the Presidential term because there are many benefits that the country and we as the people will derive from that, considering that our country is developing under the current leadership,” said Pastor Nyasha Chivhuna.
Presidential Investment and Empowerment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara said the church’s position reflects broader engagement by stakeholders on the proposed legislation.
“This is a bill of the people, a bill that reflects participatory democracy. The church is in support of the bill for specific reasons that include development,” he said.
Parliament recently concluded public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, during which citizens submitted oral and written contributions.
The Bill is now set to be tabled before the National Assembly for debate.
