Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE United African National Council (UANC) has backed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 and says the proposed reforms have the potential to strengthen national unity, promote political stability and support long-term economic development.
In a position paper, the opposition party said the Bill, which sailed through the National Assembly last week, presented an opportunity to improve governance and reduce political polarisation.
The UANC said the proposed reforms could help address recurring electoral disputes and tensions that have often affected national cohesion and development.
“The Bill has the potential to reduce perpetual election polarisation and divisive politics that often weaken nation-building efforts,” read the statement.
The party said constitutional reforms should be viewed through the lens of national interest rather than partisan considerations.
The UANC also said the proposed amendments would reinforce Zimbabwe’s sovereign right to determine its own democratic processes without external interference.
“The UANC maintains that Zimbabweans alone must shape the country’s political architecture without undue external interference,” read the position paper.
On electoral governance, the party said reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency deserved support if they enhanced public trust in electoral processes.
It said the current electoral cycle often results in prolonged campaign periods that divert attention from governance and development priorities.
According to the UANC, a revised electoral framework could reduce election-related costs and allow the Government to focus more resources on service delivery and development programmes.
The party said political stability was critical for long-term national planning, industrialisation and infrastructure development.
Further, the UANC said Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 could contribute to national stability and development if implemented transparently and inclusively.
“If implemented wisely, transparently and inclusively, these reforms may contribute to national stability, sovereign democratic development, reduced political conflict and polarisation, and long-term national planning and development,” read the paper.
