Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
THE Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, has emphasised that relocating presidential elections to Parliament — as proposed under Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 — will significantly ease political tensions and help foster more peaceful communities during election periods.
Speaking to The Manica Post yesterday (Thursday), Minister Mugadza noted that it is primarily presidential contests that ignite passions to dangerous levels, often fuelling nationwide polarisation and unrest.
He explained that if the CAB 3 proposal is adopted, ordinary citizens will be able to interact freely during voting seasons without fear or division.
Unlike presidential polls, he observed, elections for Members of the House of Assembly and councillors tend to be less charged, as voters are closer to the candidates and often select them based on merit rather than strict party allegiance.
Minister Mugadza further highlighted that shared community ties make it unlikely for neighbours to turn against one another over local ballots.
By contrast, collapsing the entire nation into a single presidential constituency invites external operatives to campaign across regions, frequently leading to disruption and chaos.
“The Bill is good for this country, as elections — particularly presidential ones — have caused us a lot of headaches. For some reasons, people become so consumed by them as if their entire lives hinge on the outcome, often leading to violence and misunderstanding. But if you consider it carefully, you will see that only presidential elections inflame passions to this degree. If, as CAB 3 proposes, these are conducted in Parliament, people will remain free to interact even during polling. When citizens vote for MPs and councillors, the situation is rarely polarised, because they are closer to the candidates and often choose them on merit rather than party affiliation.
“Living in the same community, they are less likely to harm one another over a vote. It is different when the whole country becomes a single constituency and outsiders are deployed across regions to campaign for a presidential candidate, often causing havoc. This Bill is, in many ways, a blessing. It is unfortunate that a few may oppose it, but if people apply their minds seriously, they will realise it is precisely what we need going forward,” said Minister Mugadza.
Minster Mugadza also praised Manicaland citizens for throwing their weight behind Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3, saying widespread consultations show the province is firmly in its favour.
As the May 17 consultative deadline draws closer, Minister Mugadza said feedback gathered by the parliamentary committee, alongside outreach by the ruling ZANU PF, churches and civic groups, made it clear that CAB 3 is the preferred route.
With the consultation period nearing its end, Minister Mugadza emphasised that no one must be left behind.
From the Government’s perspective, he said, the ruling party is working tirelessly to reach every corner of the province through solidarity meetings, rallies and public programmes, ensuring that every citizen grasps the Bill and stay engaged as the process moves forward.
“We thank the people of Manicaland for their overwhelming support for Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3. It was clear from the Parliamentary Committee’s public consultations that Manicaland stands firmly behind the Bill.
Broad engagement by the party, churches, other organisations and party members has confirmed that CAB 3 is the right path forward. As we approach the end of the consultation period on May 17, it is vital that those who may have lagged behind are brought up to speed.
From the Government’s perspective, the party is working diligently to ensure every corner of the province is reached. Solidarity meetings, rallies and outreach programmes continue, so that every citizen understands the process and moves with the times,” said Minister Mugadza.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman Cde Tawanda Mukodza also called for unity, urging citizens and party members across the province to back Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3 as a catalyst for accelerated development and national stability.
Cde Mukodza said CAB 3 is more than a political process — but a strategic pathway to secure the country’s future and safeguard its sovereignty against forces intent on derailing progress.
He stressed that cohesion remains the party’s strongest weapon in the face of external and internal challenges.
Cde Mukodza warned against complacency, particularly among those in leadership, saying Vision 2030 must be matched with tangible action and visible results at grassroots level.
Members of House of Assembly, councillors and community leaders, he said, has a duty to translate support into service delivery and accountable party work, rather than treating the anticipated leadership extension as a reason to relax, but should spur renewed energy and responsibility.
“Unity is our shield and our strength. If we stand together as one people with one purpose, no obstacle can hold us back from the progress we seek for Zimbabwe. CAB 3 offers us the stability and direction we need to build a prosperous nation. Let every leader in Manicaland rise to the moment — not with words alone, but with commitment that communities can see and feel,” said Cde Mukodza.
CAB 3 proposes extending the Presidential, parliamentary and councillors’ terms from 2028 to 2030, introducing a parliamentary system to elect the President, and appointing 10 additional senators.
These reforms, among others, supporters argue, will deliver greater stability, accountability and continuity in the country’s governance framework while strengthening democratic representation across all levels of leadership.
