Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure-Mutare Bureau
THE third day of public hearings on Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill in Manicaland drew huge crowds at Rimbi Community Hall in Chipinge and Chakohwa High School in Chimanimani, with the majority expressing support for the proposed changes.
Attendees overwhelmingly backed the extension of the presidential, parliamentary and council election cycle from five to seven years, as well as the election of the President by parliament.
The parliamentary team, led by Mr Supa Mandiwanzira, heard views from citizens who cited the need for stability and development as reasons for their support.
“I welcome the proposed changes, as they will allow for more effective governance and development in our country. A longer term will allow our leaders to implement long-term and meaningful policies without the pressure of frequent elections,” said Mrs Chivhunze.
Participants also said the Bill’s clauses would address grey areas in Zimbabwe’s constitution.
They said giving the Registrar General the mandate to be custodian of the voters’ roll would help bring order and transparency to the electoral process.
Mrs Evelyn Sithole, of Gumira, Ward 22 in Chipinge, said:
“We have had problems with the voters’ roll during election time. Our names were often missing or misplaced, mainly due to the delimitation process, and we walked long distances to cast our votes at designated polling stations. We welcome the fact that the Registrar General will now handle the voters’ roll, and we hope all anomalies will be corrected.”
Mr Kudakwashe Bhasikiti, from Chimanimani village, added that the Bill would benefit citizens across the political divide.
He said merging the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the Human Rights Commission would save taxpayers’ money by avoiding duplication of roles.
“The new Bill is good for all of us and should sail through Parliament and the Senate. Having longer terms for those elected into office will foster sustainable development.
The merger of the two commissions is also positive, as it will reduce duplication and allow funds to be redirected to other government sectors,” he said.
Other participants stressed that extending the terms of the President, parliamentarians, and councillors to seven years would promote long‑term development.
They argued that many projects stall midway because leaders are constantly in “election mode.
Longer elections cycle, they added, could help reduce political polarization and allow leaders to focus more on unity and development.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 public hearings will conclude tomorrow in Manicaland, with consultations scheduled to take place in Murambinda at the Better Schools Programme in Zimbabwe Hall.
Mr Mandiwanzira said citizens in Manicaland are committed to participating in law-making, with overwhelming support for the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3.
He noted two key themes — the need to reduce costs associated with frequent elections and redirect resources to infrastructure development, and confidence in the Second Republic’s efforts to drive growth and attract investment.
“People recognise the enormous work done in infrastructure development and attracting investors,” he said, adding that citizens want to see continued progress and development in their communities.
The parliamentary team will compile a report on the public hearings, incorporating views from across the province, before presenting it to Parliament.
The hearings will conclude tomorrow in Buhera, marking the final stage of the consultation process in Manicaland.
The proposed amendments have received widespread support across the province, with residents citing the potential benefits of a more stable and effective governance system.
As the process draws to a conclusion today in Buhera, citizens from Manicaland eagerly await the outcome, hopeful that the changes will bring positive developments to the country.
