Parliament to Begin Debate Process on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3

By Staff Reporter
The legislative journey of Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 officially begins today as the proposed law is set for its First Reading in Parliament.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi is expected to formally introduce the Bill before the National Assembly, marking the first step in the parliamentary process to amend the Constitution.

The First Reading is mainly procedural and allows lawmakers to officially receive the Bill before moving on to detailed discussions and debate at later stages.

The proposed amendments come after a nationwide consultation exercise conducted over the past three months. Citizens from across Zimbabwe submitted their views through written submissions, emails and public hearings held in different provinces.

Government says the consultations were aimed at ensuring public participation before the Bill entered Parliament.

Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda confirmed that Parliament is fully prepared to process the proposed legislation, while noting that the formal presentation depends on the responsible minister.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has completed its review of public submissions gathered during the consultation period.

Committee chairperson Eddison Zvobgo Jr said no debate would take place during the First Reading stage, explaining that detailed discussions are expected during the Second Reading.

The committee is expected to table its report next week, highlighting concerns and recommendations raised by citizens during the consultations.

If approved by the National Assembly, the Bill will proceed to the Senate for further consideration. Should senators pass the Bill without amendments, it will return to the National Assembly for the Third Reading before being sent to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for assent.

The Bill’s introduction marks the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched constitutional process in Zimbabwe’s Parliament.