Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writers
THE ruling party, Zanu-PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) have hailed the bipartisan support shown for the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3), saying the outcome reflects Zimbabweans’ desire for laws that promote national development and inclusive governance.
The Bill sailed through the National Assembly on Thursday after securing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority, with 216 legislators voting in favour while 42 opposed it.
The proposed amendments will now be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
Zanu-PF Chief Whip Cde Pupurai Togarepi described the overwhelming support as a vote of confidence in the reforms and their potential to advance national development.
“The overwhelming support of the Bill across the political divide is a clear testimony to the desire by the people of Zimbabwe to have progressive laws. I am excited that the Honourable Members were satisfied with the Bill and what it seeks to achieve,” he said.
“This will allow the current and future governments to work with this forward-looking Constitution as we strive to achieve the development of our people.”
CCC interim spokesperson Mr Nqobizitha Mlilo said the opposition party had allowed its legislators to vote according to their conscience and the wishes of their constituents.
“Ahead of this historic vote, the party made a deliberate decision to allow our MPs a free conscience vote. By not imposing a rigid party line, we empowered our MPs to vote in line with the expressed will of their constituencies and their own considered judgment,” he said.
Mr Mlilo said the outcome reflected democratic principles and urged Zimbabweans to maintain civility as the Bill proceeds to the Senate.
“As the Bill proceeds to the Senate for further consideration, we urge all citizens and political actors to engage with civility, decorum and political tolerance. Building national consensus and a united nation remains our central priority,” he said.
Mr Mlilo added that political players should embrace dialogue and collaboration.
“All parties must be guided by the core principle of sustainable nation-building. The time has come for deliberate, collaborative efforts to bring a lasting end to political strife and conflict in our country,” he said.
Political commentator Mr Dereck Goto said the support shown across party lines demonstrated political maturity.
“The support across political lines shows maturity in the country’s politics that is above partisanship. This shows that the Bill was accepted on its merits, and that can only be good for the country’s development,” he said.
The Bill is expected to be tabled before the Senate next week, where Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi will present the second reading speech.
After debate, senators will consider the Bill clause by clause during the committee stage before taking a vote. The Bill will require another two-thirds majority to pass.
Should the Senate approve it, the Bill will then be transmitted to President Mnangagwa for assent.
Meanwhile, some citizens who spoke to Zimpapers welcomed the passing of the Bill in the National Assembly, saying the proposed reforms would strengthen governance and accelerate the country’s development agenda.
Mr John Ncube (54), a construction contractor from Gweru’s Mambo suburb, said longer terms of office would provide continuity in implementing development projects.
“Right now we start a road or dam, then elections come and everything stalls. With seven years, you can plan and finish without disruption. For us in the construction sector, that certainty is everything and Vision 2030 needs projects that are not abandoned every five years,” he said.
Mrs Sithabile Moyo of Redcliff supported proposals aimed at changing the electoral system.
“Campaign seasons are becoming too divisive. Families and neighbours fight every five years. If Parliament elects the President, supporters argue it will promote national cohesion and reduce divisive, perpetual electioneering,” she said.
Mr Blessing Dube (29) welcomed reforms intended to streamline institutions and improve governance systems.
“Institutional streamlining is overdue. Right now ministries and councils duplicate work and files move slowly. Reducing bureaucratic delays makes government delivery more efficient for ordinary people,” he said.
He also commended proposals that seek to enhance representation of women, youths and Zimbabweans living abroad.
Mr Stephen Ncube from Gwanda said the passage of the Bill in the National Assembly demonstrated its importance to national development.
“I’m delighted that the Bill has sailed through the National Assembly and now it’s going to be debated in the Senate and then voted for. The Bill seeks to bring about changes that will develop our country,” he said.
Ms Sinothabo Sibindi said the legislative process had been transparent and inclusive.
“I’m impressed by the level of transparency which has been displayed throughout the entire process of this Bill. As residents, we managed to give input towards this Bill, a clear indication that our voice matters,” she said.
She said the Bill supports decentralisation and improved governance systems, which are critical in bringing decision-making closer to communities and empowering citizens to participate in local development.
