Harare, (New Ziana)- Parliamentary debate on the draft Constitutional Amendment Bill Number Three resumed on Tuesday after last week’s adjournment.
Over 130 Members of Parliament have now expressed their opinions on the bill which, among other things, seeks to lengthen the country’s presidential and legislative election cycle from five to seven years, and provide for the election of the Head of State by parliament, away from the existing pick by the electorate.
In Tuesday’s session, more legislators backed the adoption of the bill, which also proposes to extend the current legislative and presidential term by two years to 20230.
They also supported, unlike in previous debates, allowing traditional leaders to belong to political parties, and for the Gender Commission to remain as a standalone entity, and not merged into the Human Rights Commission.
“The war of liberation we fought requires that there is continuity under the tried and tested leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” said MP Nyasha Chikwinya.
Supa Mandiwanzira, MP for Nyanga South, backed the maintenance of the Gender Commission as a standalone commission.
“We must have it continue its great work,” he said.
Sithembiso Nyoni, MP for Nkayi North, said her constituents have no problem with MPs and Senators jointly voting to select Zimbabwe’s President.
She also recommended that the Gender Commission be allowed to be a standalone commission to advance men and women’s rights.
Shakemore Timburwa, MP for Chegutu West, supported the appointment of 10 more Senators by the President as provided for in the draft bill.
Harare Proportional Representative MP, Ellen Shiriyedenga said instead of giving traditional leaders the chance to participate in politics, Zimbabwe must give prisoners and those in the diaspora the chance to vote.
Mutasa North legislator Obey Bvute said: “The Bill is what the doctor ordered for Zimbabwe.”
Other MPs from Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, Nkayi North, Hurungwe, Gokwe Kabuyuni ,Buhera North, Chivi Central, Chivi North and Mashonaland East Proportional Representative MP Lilian Zemura backed the Bill.
But Marondera Central MP Caston Matewu, Chiredzi Central’s Ropafadzo Makumire and MP for Dangamvura Prosper Mutseyami opposed the bill, particularly the provision that changes the manner in which the President is elected. on their own.
Parliament is expected to vote on the bill this week.
New Ziana
