Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
A United Kingdom-based politician and legal expert, Cde Pardon Tapfumaneyi, has thrown his weight behind the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, saying it will usher in policy stability, strengthen institutions and boost investor confidence.
Cde Tapfumaneyi, who recently joined Zanu-PF under the Dzokai Kumusha/Buyani Ekhaya programme, said the proposed changes were necessary to align the country’s governance framework with long-term national development goals.
“Every constitution is a living document and it must evolve. As Zimbabweans, we cannot shy away from reviewing provisions that may be holding us back as a nation,” he said.
He commended the Second Republic’s leadership, saying the amendment process reflects a commitment to constitutionalism and national progress.
Cde Tapfumaneyi said extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years would reduce constant election cycles that often disrupt development.
“The extension of terms will certainly reduce perpetual campaigning, enabling leaders to implement complex infrastructure projects, industrial strategies and economic reforms without short-term political pressures,” he said.
He noted that elections in Zimbabwe have historically been associated with tension and polarisation, which undermine national cohesion.
“Election campaigns consume significant resources and often perpetuate emotional divisions.
“This has hindered efforts towards national reconciliation and dialogue,” he added.
On the proposal to move voter registration to the Registrar-General’s Office, Cde Tapfumaneyi said the move would improve efficiency and credibility in the electoral system.
“The Registrar-General already manages national identity documents and civil registration, making it efficient to integrate voter registration,” he said.
“This will improve data integrity, reduce errors and eliminate anomalies such as deceased persons appearing on the voters’ roll through continuous and accurate audits.”
Cde Tapfumaneyi also supported the proposal for the President to be elected by Parliament, saying it would enhance accountability and institutional democracy.
“This system ensures leadership is chosen through institutional consensus rather than populism.
“It strengthens Parliament as a truly representative and supreme legislative body,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with established democracies, he added: “Countries such as South Africa, India and Botswana use similar systems, and even in the United Kingdom, the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy places ultimate authority in Parliament.”
He said increasing the number of presidentially appointed Senators from five to 10 would allow for the inclusion of technical expertise in law-making.
“This provision allows technocrats to contribute to legislation without necessarily going through the rigours of electoral processes,” said Cde Tapfumaneyi.
“It enhances Parliament’s capacity to address complex issues in sectors such as technology, law and the economy.”
Cde Tapfumaneyi said the proposed amendments would also improve Zimbabwe’s investment climate by creating a predictable political environment.
“These changes will reduce electoral disruptions, promote policy continuity and demonstrate a clear commitment to stability and development,” he said.
“This is critical for improving investor confidence and the ease of doing business.”
He cited the United Kingdom’s flexible constitutional framework as an example of how evolving legal systems can support economic growth.
“The UK’s constitutional system has evolved over time, allowing it to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining stability. Zimbabwe can draw lessons from such models,” he said.
Cde Tapfumaneyi, however, suggested that the amendment process could go further to include a broader constitutional review.
“This is the best time, given the relative peace and stability in the country, to engage citizens and come up with a truly people-driven constitution,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the proposed reforms would leave a lasting legacy.
“Let us take this God-given opportunity to create a long-lasting constitutional framework that will benefit future generations,” said Cde Tapfumaneyi.
