Published: 1 hour ago

The National Assembly is expected to vote today on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3, with Zanu-PF expressing confidence that it has sufficient parliamentary support to pass the legislation without backing from opposition parties.

The vote represents a key stage in the legislative process for a Bill that could significantly reshape aspects of governance, electoral arrangements and institutional frameworks in the country.

Zanu-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi said the ruling party is confident of securing a majority, citing internal cohesion and alignment with resolutions adopted at recent party conferences.

"We are a united party guided by the Zanu-PF National People's Conference resolutions. Our members are guided by our party's positions," he said.

He added that party caucuses had already discussed the Bill and that MPs were expected to vote in line with established party positions.

"We have the numbers to pass the Bill," he said, adding that some opposition MPs had also shown support, which he described as evidence of "mature democracy."

According to parliamentary procedure, the Bill will be voted on clause by clause after debate in the National Assembly. If approved, it will proceed to the Senate before returning to the lower house for a third reading and ultimately being submitted to the President for assent.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee chairperson Eddison Zvobgo Jr said the process may involve a Committee of the Whole House stage, where detailed scrutiny of the Bill is conducted under relaxed procedural rules.

"It is work in progress," he said, noting that final voting arrangements would be determined by the Speaker of Parliament depending on proceedings in the chamber.

Meanwhile, State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke said security arrangements were in place to ensure the vote proceeds without disruption.

He urged Members of Parliament to carry out their duties freely and without intimidation.

"We want to urge parliamentarians to exercise their duty freely without fear as the security situation is calm," he said.

Matuke also warned against any attempts to disrupt parliamentary proceedings, saying security agencies were prepared to maintain order during the voting process.

He further argued that the Bill had already received broad public backing during consultation processes, and expressed confidence that MPs would reflect the "will of the people" in their vote.

The vote is expected to be closely watched, as it will determine whether the proposed constitutional changes proceed to the next stage in what has become a highly significant political and legislative process.
- Manica Post

You might also want to read this

• CAB3 will trigger Mnangagwa's political downfall
• Chibaya seeks to halt CAB3 Parliamentary proceedings