By Judith Matanire
The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3) has completed its passage through Parliament after the National Assembly on Tuesday approved amendments made by the Senate during an extraordinary sitting, clearing the way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to consider it for assent.
The Bill received the backing of 226 Members of Parliament, while 41 legislators voted against it after the Lower House considered amendments introduced by the Senate.
With Parliament having completed its legislative process, the Bill will now be transmitted to the President, whose assent is required before it can become law.
The proposed constitutional amendments have generated widespread public and political debate due to their potential impact on Zimbabwe’s governance framework.
Among the major changes contained in the Bill is the extension of the current term of Parliament and local authorities to 2030. It also proposes increasing the tenure of future Presidents, Members of Parliament and local authority representatives from five years to seven years.
The legislation further seeks to alter the process of filling a vacancy in the Office of the President by providing for the election of a successor through a joint sitting of Parliament instead of a nationwide vote.
Presenting the Senate amendments to the National Assembly, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the changes were largely procedural. They include provisions requiring the first sitting of a newly elected Parliament to take place within 14 days after the declaration of election results, with the date to be announced by the Clerk of Parliament through a Government Gazette. The amendments also provide that the Clerk will preside over proceedings in both Houses until the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly.
The sitting was presided over by Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda.
Despite Parliament’s approval, legal experts have indicated that aspects of the Bill could face constitutional challenges. Some constitutional lawyers argue that proposed changes affecting certain constitutional provisions may require approval through a national referendum before taking legal effect.
Following the vote, Parliament adjourned its sitting and is expected to reconvene on 7 July.
