Mutimbanyoka rallies support for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3

Peter Tanyanyiwa

Herald Correspondent

HARARE East legislator and Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Cde Kiven Mutimbanyoka has called on Zimbabweans to unite behind Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, describing it as a progressive and development-oriented reform designed to strengthen governance, stability and national cohesion.

He said the proposed amendments reflected the will of the people and the evolving needs of a modern State, emphasising that the Constitution remained a living document that must adapt to changing national aspirations.

“As a sovereign nation, Zimbabwe has both the right and the responsibility to refine its governance systems in line with the people’s expectations. Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is not a departure from democracy, but rather a consolidation of it,” said Cde Mutimbanyoka.

He noted that one of the key provisions, the election of the President through Parliament is consistent with systems used in established democracies and even reflects Zimbabwe’s own governance model at Independence.

“This is not new to us. At Independence, we adopted a parliamentary system rooted in the Westminster model. What we are doing is drawing from our own history and from global best practice to build a system that ensures stability, accountability and continuity,” he said.

Cde Mutimbanyoka further highlighted that Parliament, as a body elected by the people, embodies the collective will of citizens, making it a legitimate platform to elect national leadership.

“Parliament is the voice of the people. When it elects a President, it does so on behalf of every Zimbabwean. This strengthens representation and reduces unnecessary contestation,” he added.

On the proposal to extend the electoral cycle from five to seven years, the Deputy Minister said the move would allow Government to focus more resources on development rather than frequent elections.

“Elections are important, but they are also costly. Extending the electoral cycle gives Government adequate time to implement policies and programmes without disruption. It creates the policy consistency we need to drive industrialisation, empower communities and grow our economy,” he said.

He pointed to international precedents, noting that countries such as France previously operated a seven-year presidential term, while others maintain longer cycles to enhance governance efficiency.

Cde Mutimbanyoka also welcomed provisions relating to judicial appointments, saying they would streamline processes and ensure efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the justice system.

“We must trust our national leadership to act in the best interest of the country. Simplifying the appointment of judges will improve efficiency and ensure that our judiciary continues to function effectively,” he said.

Turning to the inclusion and empowerment of traditional leaders and the expansion of Senate representation, he said the amendments would deepen democratic participation.

“Our chiefs are custodians of our culture and play a critical role in governance at grassroots level. Enhancing their participation strengthens our democracy and ensures that all voices are heard,” he said.

Cde Mutimbanyoka urged citizens to actively participate in the ongoing public consultations, stressing that the reform process is people-driven.

“I encourage all Zimbabweans to come out in their numbers and make their voices heard during the outreach programmes. This is your Constitution, your future and your opportunity to shape the destiny of our nation,” he said.

He described Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 as a decisive step towards peace, unity and development.

“This Bill is about building a stable and prosperous Zimbabwe. It is about reducing polarisation, fostering unity and creating an environment where development can thrive. Together, we can move our nation forward,” said Cde Mutimbanyoka.

The proposed amendments have sparked national dialogue, with stakeholders from across society engaging in discussions aimed at shaping a governance framework that supports long-term national growth and stability.