Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has publicly addressed the ongoing Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3 for the first time, as debate continues over proposals that could extend his time in office from 2028 to 2030.
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The proposed legislation also seeks to replace Zimbabwe’s current popular vote system for electing a president with a parliamentary ballot system. The Bill was officially gazetted in February, triggering a 90-day public consultation process that has now concluded.
The next stage will see the matter referred to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs before being formally introduced for debate when Parliament resumes sittings early next month.
Zimbabwe Constitutional Amendment Bill Moves To Parliamentary Stage
Speaking on the consultation process, Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans had been given an opportunity to freely express their views on the proposed constitutional changes.
“The public was given opportunity to express their views. I don’t think there was a part of the country which was left out, from what I have been briefed by my people.
“I think also the press has done a fantastic job to make sure it was publicised. So that everybody has an opportunity expressing themselves. This is what it ought to be in a democracy,” adds Mnangagwa.
Emmerson Mnangagwa Comments On Public Consultations Across Zimbabwe
The consultation exercise followed the publication of the Bill earlier this year and involved outreach efforts across different parts of the country.
Lawmakers are now expected to consider the recommendations and submissions gathered during the consultation phase before parliamentary debate begins.
