Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
THE National Assembly is expected to vote on Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 today (Friday), with ZANU PF chief whip, Honourable Pupurai Togarepi expressing optimism that the ruling party has “the numbers to pass the Bill” without opposition support.
The vote marks a decisive stage for legislation that could reshape governance, electoral and institutional frameworks.
Most legislators who debated the Bill, including some from opposition parties, supported the proposed amendments, arguing it will promote policy continuity, reduce political polarisation and create a more stable environment for long-term national development.
Honourable Togarepi told The Manica Post yesterday (Thursday) that ZANU PF legislators are bound by positions set at the party’s 2024 and 2025 National People’s Conferences, and no MP has expressed reservations with CAB3.
He said caucus meetings had addressed the Bill and voting will follow established parliamentary procedures.
“We are a united party guided by the ZANU PF National People’s Conference resolutions. Our members are guided by our party’s positions. The position regarding CAB3 has been discussed at all levels of the party, and I am sure MPs are aware of their responsibilities.
“We discuss all Parliament debates in our caucus, and the party leadership came through to explain the party position after the National People’s Conference. No member has expressed reservations on CAB3,” said Honourable Togarepi.
Asked whether voting will be by raising hands, voice or secret ballot, he said Parliament will use “already set precedence”.
He added that a “good number” of opposition MPs now support the Bill, which shows “how mature our democracy has become”.
“Voting Parliament is governed by already established procedures. I think we will use the already set precedence. We have the numbers to pass the Bill. However, we are also happy that a good number of the opposition MPs have seen value in supporting the Bill. That shows how mature our democracy has become,” he said.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee chairperson, Honourable Eddison Zvobgo Jr, said MPs will vote clause by clause after debate.
He said if approved, the Bill will move to the Senate before returning to the National Assembly for third reading and then to the President for assent.
“Thereafter, there will be adoption of the Bill before it is sent to Senate for their input. If the Senate agrees with changes, the Bill will come back to the National Assembly for third reading to formally adopt the finished product,” said Cde Zvobgo Jr.
“It is work in progress, and I have been observing some legislators applying to debate. I am sure that is what we will do. It is a D-day, and we would like to take it as it comes. We would like to go into committee, but if people are still demanding to vote, that would be the decision for the Speaker of Parliament to make,” he said.
Cde Zvobgo Jr explained that when Parliament resolves into a Committee of the Whole House, the Speaker vacates the Chair and a chairperson presides.
It is the formal forum for detailed, clause-by-clause debate under relaxed rules. After scrutiny, the Committee reports to the House, which then votes on the Bill.
In a statement on Wednesday, State Security Minister, Honourable Lovemore Matuke said voting must proceed peacefully without intimidation and security agencies are on high alert.
“We want to urge parliamentarians to exercise their duty freely without fear as the security situation is calm. They should do it freely, because they are only discharging the mandate which they were given by the people from their different constituencies,” said Minister Matuke.
He warned those seeking to disrupt the process to desist, saying the security apparatus will ensure Parliament’s business runs smoothly.
“We know CAB 3 needs a lot of support from all the constituencies, and we hope that, as they vote, they will feel the will and needs of the people who sent them to Parliament. We wish them to discharge their mandate and support CAB 3, because it was overwhelmingly supported by the majority of the people during the outreach programme. The voting is going to be done in a peaceful manner. Those who wish to disrupt the voting process will be dealt with. The security apparatus is ready to deal with malcontents. We expect the place to be safe to allow the smooth sailing of the processes,” he added.
Minister Matuke said claims of intimidation had emerged amid debate on the Bill.
“The timing of the claims of intimidation is coinciding with discussions around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. When arguments weaken, some choose to escalate rhetoric,” he said.
