Gutu Central MP throws full weight behind CAB 3, says amendments align with global best practices

Harare– Gutu Central legislator, Hon. Winston Chitando, has thrown his full weight behind the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB 3), declaring that a constitution is a living document that must be amended when necessary to suit the nation’s developmental needs.

Speaking during the ongoing second reading debate in the National Assembly on Thursday, Chitando said his constituency was fully supportive of the proposed amendments, which seek to extend the presidential and parliamentary term from five to seven years, establish an electoral college where Members of Parliament elect the President, and transfer voter registration functions to the Registrar-General’s Office.

“Fundamentally, a Constitution is a living document that when and as there is need, it ought to be amended,” Chitando told the House.

He dismissed concerns over the timing or substance of the amendments, arguing that Zimbabwe was following a path well-trodden by other nations.

“I will not repeat the various examples which were given by fellow Honourable Members of Parliament on the number of countries that have amended their constitutions. As Zimbabwe, we are amending our Constitution to suit our needs,” he said.

Chitando framed the Bill as a development tool, saying its essence was to improve the governance framework and provide longer policy duration through the extension of terms for both the President and Parliament.

He noted that several countries already elect their Presidents through Parliament or electoral colleges, arguing that Zimbabwe’s proposed changes were therefore consistent with international practice.

“This amendment will enable a smoother election process through the representatives of the people, being the Honourable Members of Parliament. The basis of a Member of Parliament to debate is rooted in the mandate given to represent their constituencies,” he said.

Chitando also backed the clause allowing the President to appoint ten additional Senators, saying it would enable the identification of specialised skills and personalities to augment the national development agenda.

Citing statistics from the Parliamentary Legal Committee, he said public consultations had demonstrated overwhelming support for the Bill among those who participated.

“The input from public consultations, augmented by those statistics, clearly indicates that those who participated are fully supportive of the amendments as provided for in CAB 3,” Chitando said.

He concluded by affirming his full support for the Bill.

The CAB 3 debate continues, with legislators divided along party lines. The Bill requires a two-thirds majority to pass.