Citizens back longer terms for lasting development

Zimpapers Reporters

THE Parliament-led public consultations on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill continued to draw massive crowds across the country yesterday, with Bulilima and Hwange districts joining multitudes of Zimbabweans backing the legal changes.

Similar meetings were held in Gokwe South, Harare’s Epworth, Manicaland and Marondera, where thousands of people from all walks of life filled the venues beyond capacity as citizens jostled to present their views on the second day, building momentum from the Monday engagements.

The hearings form part of nationwide consultations by Parliament to gather public input on the proposed constitutional changes aimed at improving national governance and driving development.

In all the stations, a majority of people emphasised the importance of extending the Presidential cycle by two years and freely expressed their willingness to have the constitution amended.

Citizens argued that frequent elections disrupt development and economic progress. Hwange entrepreneur, Mr Shylock Simukai, said from a business perspective, policy consistency and stability were critical for growth.

“Operating in an environment that is constantly shifting into election mode creates uncertainty for investors and businesses,” he said.

“Extending the electoral cycle to seven years will provide predictability, allowing companies to plan long-term, expand operations and create jobs without fear of policy disruptions that often come with election periods.”

Youth representative, Ms Itheal Tasara, said the proposed changes would ensure continuity in leadership and sustained empowerment programmes for young people.

“We have seen young people benefiting from various economic empowerment initiatives under the current leadership. Extending the electoral cycle gives room for these programmes to mature and deliver meaningful impact, rather than being interrupted midway,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Thulani Moyo, said maintaining the current development trajectory required policy and leadership continuity. “The country is on a positive economic growth path. Allowing President Mnangagwa to complete his vision up to 2030 will ensure that ongoing projects are completed and that the gains we are seeing are consolidated,” he said.

Mr Edson Muleya of Jambezi, who is living with a disability, welcomed provisions to increase Senate representation, while calling for enhanced inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“We applaud the proposal to increase the number of senators, but we also urge authorities to allocate more seats to persons with disabilities,” he said. “Currently, our representation is limited, yet we are an important constituency whose voice must be strengthened.”

Mrs Alice Mutasa said the Bill would help curb political polarisation often associated with election cycles.
“Frequent elections tend to divide communities and shift focus away from development. A longer electoral cycle will promote unity of purpose and allow leaders to fully implement their mandates without unnecessary distractions,” she said.

Some residents also supported provisions allowing traditional leaders to participate in elective politics, arguing that it broadened democratic participation.

“This amendment recognises that traditional leaders also have a role to play in national development. It removes previous limitations and allows them to contribute more directly to political and economic transformation,” said Isaac Dube, a Victoria Falls resident.

Mr Elias Muzamba said the Bill would give Government sufficient time to implement development programmes, adding that a referendum was unnecessary.

“This amendment is about improving governance systems and ensuring efficiency. It gives the sitting Government adequate time to deliver on projects without the constant pressure of elections,” he said.

Hwange residents also expressed support for proposed changes to the management of the voters’ roll, suggesting that it be handled by the Registrar-General’s Office instead of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

“Transferring the voters’ roll to the Registrar-General’s Office will improve accuracy, as it is the institution responsible for vital records such as births and deaths. This will help address anomalies that have previously been noted,” said another participant.

Ms Sandra Dube said notable development had taken place under the Second Republic, citing major projects in mining, energy and tourism.

“We have witnessed progress through projects such as the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, Hwange Units 7 and 8, and increased mining investments. These initiatives require time to reach full potential, hence the need for continuity,” she said.

Ward 7 resident, Mr Gladmore Ncube, highlighted the high cost of elections, saying extending the electoral cycle would ease pressure on the national fiscus.

“Elections are expensive and consume resources that could otherwise be channelled towards infrastructure and social development projects.”

Another Victoria Falls resident noted that prolonged election periods negatively affected tourism due to perceptions of instability.

“Tourism thrives on stability. Constant election activity creates uncertainty among international visitors, which in turn affects arrivals and revenue,” he said.

Archbishop Stanford Moyo said the church supported the Bill, citing the need for peace and stability.
“As the church, we support initiatives that promote peace. Election periods often bring tension and conflict, which undermine development and social cohesion,” he said.

However, a minority of participants called for a national referendum before any constitutional changes are adopted.

Speaking after the hearings, Pelandaba-Tshabalala legislator and chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, Mr Joseph Tshuma, said the turnout and submissions reflected clear support for the Bill.

“The response from Hwange has been overwhelming. People came in large numbers and their views are very clear- they support the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, particularly the extension of the electoral cycle. As Parliament, our role is to listen and capture these submissions faithfully,” he said.

Cde Tshuma said the committee had begun consultations in Tsholotsho and would proceed to Binga as part of the nationwide outreach programme.

The Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill seeks to introduce several changes to Zimbabwe’s governance framework, including extending the term of office for the President, Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years.

It also proposes increasing Senate representation, revising electoral management provisions, and aligning governance structures with national development priorities such as Vision 2030.

In Manicaland province, the meetings were held at Chipembere Business Centre in Makoni and Sakubva Beit Hall in Mutare, with attendees showing strong support for the amendments.

In Marondera, hundreds of people gathered in Dombotombo Hall for the public hearings, where people freely expressed their views.

The ongoing public hearings are designed to gather citizens’ views before the Bill is tabled and debated in Parliament. Today, the hearings will proceed in Gwanda, Matabeleland South and Somabhula in the Midlands.

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