Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
PARLIAMENTARIANS are set to discharge their constitutional mandate without fear or intimidation, with Government assuring that the security apparatus will ensure a peaceful environment during voting on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3), expected in the National Assembly tomorrow.
The voting marks a decisive stage in a legislative process that could significantly reshape the country’s governance, electoral and institutional framework.
Most legislators who have contributed during the Bill’s debate, including some from opposition parties, supported the proposed amendments, arguing that they would promote policy continuity, reduce political polarisation and create a more stable environment for long-term national development.
In a statement yesterday, the Minister of State Security, Lovemore Matuke, said the voting process must proceed peacefully without intimidation from rogue elements.
“We want to urge parliamentarians to exercise their duty freely without fear as the security situation is calm,” he said.
“They should do it freely, because they are only discharging the mandate which they were given by the people from their different constituencies.”
Minister Matuke warned those who wish to destabilise the voting process on CAB 3 to desist, saying security agencies are on high alert.
“We know CAB 3 needs a lot of support from all the constituencies, and we hope that, as they vote, they will feel the will and needs of the people who sent them to Parliament.
“We wish them to discharge their mandate and support CAB 3, because it was overwhelmingly supported by the majority of the people during the outreach programme,” he said.
Minister Matuke said the security apparatus will monitor the situation to ensure the smooth running of parliamentary business.
“The voting is going to be done in a peaceful manner. Those who wish to disrupt the voting process will be dealt with. The security apparatus is ready to deal with malcontents.
“We expect the place to be safe to allow the smooth sailing of the processes,” he said.
Minister Matuke said claims of intimidation of parliamentarians were emerging in the context of the ongoing debate on the Bill.
“The timing of the claims of intimidation is coinciding with discussions around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. When arguments weaken, some choose to escalate rhetoric,” he said.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs chairperson Cde Eddison Zvobgo (Jnr) said legislators would vote clause by clause after the debate stage.
“After debating, then MPs will go into voting clause by clause.
“Thereafter, there will be adoption of the Bill before it is sent to Senate for their input,” he said.
If approved by the National Assembly, the Bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
“If the Senate agrees with changes, the Bill will come back to the National Assembly for third reading to formally adopt the finished product,” said Cde Zvobgo.
Following parliamentary approval, the Bill will be submitted to the President for assent and published in the Government Gazette, after which the amendments will become part of the Constitution in line with the commencement provisions contained in the legislation.
According to a report by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, which has since been adopted by Parliament, more than 530 000 written submissions supported the Bill, while 2 935 opposed it.
The committee said many submissions favoured replacing direct Presidential elections with a system in which the President is elected by Parliament.
Supporters argued that the proposed model would strengthen collaboration between the Executive and Parliament, improve policy alignment and reduce the financial and political costs associated with nationwide presidential elections.
The report also recorded strong support for extending electoral cycles for both the President and Parliament from five years to seven years, with proponents saying longer cycles would reduce election frequency, lower public expenditure and provide greater policy stability.
