Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
Mutare Bureau
ZANU PF Manicaland will tomorrow hold meetings in its eight administrative districts to educate its structures on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 ahead of public hearings by Parliament.
Zanu PF provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, said Politburo, Central Committee and provincial executive members will be deployed in the districts to raise awareness on the Bill.
The district leaders will then cascade the message to the grassroots.
The women’s league, youth league and war veterans have been moving around preaching about Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3 to their structures.
“Going forward we need resources, we are looking for resources to spearhead this very important task in every corner of the province,” said Cde Mukodza.
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza, who was representing Politburo member Cde Patrick Chinamasa, said Manicaland wanted President Mnangagwa to continue to guide the nation towards prosperity through Vision 2030.
“The President chaired the first Cabinet meeting of the year where several key national policy issues were considered and approved. These decisions are critical to the continual transformation of our country and the strengthening of our governance system,” he said.
Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3 proposes a number of reforms aimed at strengthening constitutional governance, improving institutional efficiency and promoting political stability.
“The proposed amendment seeks to refine our constitutional framework in line with Zimbabwe’s development trajectory and governance experience,” he said.
Among the many primary objectives of this bill is to enhance political stability and policy continuity in the country so that national development programmes can be implemented effectively and completed without unnecessary disruption.
“The amendment also seeks to clarify institutional mandates, eliminate overlaps between state institutions and strengthen democratic structures to ensure accountability and efficiency in governance,” he said.
The Constitution Amendment Bill No 3 proposes to change some sections of the constitution, the aim being to improve governance, strengthen institutions and bring changes to how some government systems work.
He said the constitution can be amended when leaders believe changes are needed to improve the running of the country.
Major proposed changes in the Bill include changing how the President is elected.
Currently the President is elected directly by citizens through national elections.
The proposed amendment says the President will be elected by Members of Parliament instead of a public vote.
“Members of Parliament from the national assembly and senate would vote together to choose the president. If no candidate gets enough votes, a run of vote between the top two candidates will take place.
“The Constitution currently allows five year terms for the President and Parliament. The amendment proposes to increase the term to seven years. The reason is to allow more time for development programmes and reduce frequent elections.”
The bill also proposes increasing the number of appointed senators. The President will appoint 10 more senators increasing the senate from 80 to 90.
“The aim is to bring more expertise and representation into parliament. Some responsibilities currently handled by the electoral commission would change.
“Voter registration and the voters’ role will be handled by the Registrar General instead of the electoral commission,” he said.
A new electoral delimitation commission will be created to handle constituent boundaries. The amendment also proposes dissolving the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, whose duties will be transferred to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
This is meant to reduce duplication and improve efficiency in human rights.
The bill proposes changes to judicial procedures and appointments. It also raises the qualifications required for the attorney general so that the position matches higher legal standards.
On referendum, Cde Chinamasa: “No, you cannot do, there are certain things that require referendum, but these are not. To extend a term, you need three years, but we are saying two years, so that demand is unconditional and not provided for in the constitution.”
