Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike, [email protected]
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi is today expected to commence the legislative process for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) when he makes the First Reading of the proposed Bill in Parliament.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs last week completed the processing of submissions made during the 90-day nationwide consultation process.
Submissions were made through hand deliveries to Parliament, via email and during public hearings conducted across the country between March 31 and April 2.
Minister Ziyambi yesterday said he had given notice of his intention to present the Bill in terms of the Parliamentary Standing Orders.
“I have given notice to the Parliament of my intention to present the Bill,” he said.
Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda said Parliament was ready to have the Bill read.
“As Parliament, we are ready. It now rests with the Minister of Justice on whether he is ready or not, but we are ready,” he said.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs chairperson, MP Eddison Zvobgo (Jr), yesterday said Parliament was ready to formally introduce the Bill before the National Assembly, paving the way for consultations and debate by legislators.
The First Reading, which constitutes the formal introduction of the Bill in Parliament, is expected to be followed by a series of processes designed to ensure scrutiny of the proposed amendments.
“It is going for the First Reading tomorrow (today). It is when it will be presented to Parliamentarians for the first time.
“Remember, this is just presenting it (Bill) to Parliamentarians and no debate is going to take place,” he said.
MP Zvobgo said the committee was also expected to submit its report on the Bill next week when it goes for its Second Reading.
He said the report would provide Members of Parliament with information to guide debate on issues relating to the Bill and other constitutional provisions.
“The report will give MPs information on issues of debate. It will also highlight potential problems related to other provisions in the Constitution.
“The reports will simply highlight if there are any other issues that legislators will have to look into in the Bill,” he said.
MP Zvobgo said that after debate by parliamentarians, the Bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further review.
“The Bill will go to the Senate for review.
“If the Senate find no problems or issues and if it does not change anything, the Bill will then come back to the National Assembly for the Third Reading.
“Thereafter, if there are no issues, it will then be taken to the President for his signature,” he said.
