Online Reporter
Herald Reporters
Public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill entered their second day yesterday, with thousands of Zimbabweans across the country continuing to turn out in large numbers to present their views on the proposed changes to the Constitution.
The nationwide consultations, spearheaded by Parliamentary Portfolio Committees, are a critical step in the legislative process that will ultimately determine whether the Bill becomes law.
From Harare to other provinces, the hearings have been marked by high levels of participation, with citizens expressing strong support for key provisions of the Bill, while also offering proposals and, in some cases, raising concerns on areas they felt needed improvement.
The second day reinforced the significance of the Bill as both a legal instrument and a reflection of national aspirations around governance, development and representation.
As the public hearings continue, the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 must still pass through several formal stages before it becomes law.
Once nationwide consultations are completed, the Parliamentary Committees will compile a report capturing all public submissions. This report will then be presented before Parliament to inform debate. The Bill will undergo its First Reading in the National Assembly, followed by the Second Reading, where lawmakers debate its principles. It will then move to the Committee Stage, where it is examined clause by clause and further amendments may be introduced.
After this, the Bill proceeds to the Third Reading. If passed, it will be sent to the Senate, where it undergoes similar procedures. As a constitutional amendment, it requires a two‑thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. Once approved, it is sent to the President for assent, after which it becomes law.
The Bill contains several significant provisions that have drawn public attention during the hearings.
Among the most notable is the proposal to extend the election cycle from five years to seven years, thereby lengthening the terms of office for all elected officials, including the President, Parliament and local authorities. Many participants argued that this would promote stability and allow development programmes to run their full course.
A second major proposal is that the President would be elected by a majority in Parliament rather than directly by voters.
In Harare, consultations held at the City Sports Centre and in Epworth drew significant crowds, with most participants backing the proposed amendments.
The hearings, part of a nationwide consultation process, began promptly at 10am at the Epworth Local Board offices.
Epworth resident Ms Wadzanai Dhawana told the Parliamentary Committee that the community had witnessed notable improvements under President Mnangagwa.
“We are supporting the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill as the Epworth community because our area, for a long time, lagged behind, but with the coming of President Mnangagwa, he introduced title deeds for us,” Ms Dhawana said.
“We strongly recommend that two additional years be added so that he can finish his projects, and in future, I think seven years is enough to complete all projects that would have been initiated.”
Another resident, Ms Florence Mudhara, echoed the sentiment:
“In five years, it could be very difficult to fully roll out the title deeds programme considering the work that needs to be done. The election cycle should be after every seven years.”
On the proposal to shift the presidential election from direct vote to election by Parliament, Cde Godfrey Tsenengamu supported the move, arguing that it would harmonise relations between the Executive and Legislature.
“I support this Bill, particularly the clause regarding the parliamentary selection of the President. Currently, Members of Parliament can impeach a President they did not elect. I believe the President should be chosen by Parliament so that members hold the power to remove the individual they placed in office.”
Senator Eleven Kativu, who is leading the Parliamentary Committee in the capital, confirmed that the process had largely run smoothly.
“At the Harare City Sports Centre, people came in their numbers to give their views, and their views were almost one-sided. Most of the people who came were for the Bill,” said Senator Kativu.
He acknowledged that the high turnout had led to moments of disorder as participants jostled to speak.
“There were a few disturbances, not violent, but people fighting for the microphone. Because there were so many people and limited time, participants ended up jostling. It shows the eagerness of people to express their views.”
Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tawengwa, also praised the strong public involvement.
“People came out in their numbers in support of the Bill. They expressed their views and, obviously, some had divergent views, which is their right, but the majority supported the Bill,” he said.
Some residents linked their support to development outcomes.
Cde Tendai Chirau said extending the electoral cycle would allow Government to complete projects without interruption, while Cde Betty Kaseke highlighted recognition of traditional leaders. “I fully support the Bill, especially clauses that recognise the role of traditional leaders in governance and development,” she said.
In Matabeleland North, where hearings were held in Hwange, residents also supported the extension.
Local entrepreneur Mr Shylock Simukai said, “Operating in an environment constantly shifting into election mode creates uncertainty for investors and businesses. Extending the electoral cycle to seven years will provide predictability, allowing companies to plan long term.”
