Chitungwiza – Residents of Chitungwiza on Monday voiced overwhelming support for the Constitutional Amendment Bill 3 during public hearings held in Dema and the Chitungwiza Acquatic Complex, Zengeza, praising proposed reforms that seek to extend the presidential term limit, transfer electoral responsibilities, expand judicial oversight, and streamline governance institutions.

The Bill, which seeks to amend key provisions of the 2013 Constitution, drew scores of residents who expressed approval for clauses they said would enhance efficiency, accountability, and alignment with progressive African constitutional standards.

A cross-section of speakers supported the proposed shift of voter registration and voters’ roll management from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Registrar General’s office, as outlined in Clause 12. Residents argued the move would leverage the Registrar General’s existing role as custodian of civil records to improve accuracy and administrative efficiency.

“The Registrar General already handles births, deaths, and identity documents. It makes practical sense for the same office to manage the voters’ roll,” said a speaker in Zengeza. “This removes duplication and strengthens the integrity of our electoral process.”

Only 3 out of all the speakers who contributed during the public hearings opposed the Bill, where one woman proposed that the Bill should go to a referendum if it was fair and had overwhelming support.

Said Rutendo Muzirwa:

“I am here to share my views and do not dispute everything said. The current Constitution that we have came through a referendum. So why can’t we go through a referendum if everything is transparent and fair.

Secondly, I am saying when we go through a referendum, everyone has an opportunity to express themselves. While to some the bill is ok, for me, when we are electing a president, I want to elect a president of my choice where you will choose a leader of your choice while I also choose my preferred candidate. So let’s meet in a referendum.”

The Bill also establishes a parliamentary system for electing the President under Clause 2, requiring a majority vote in a joint sitting of Parliament with a run-off provision if no candidate secures an absolute majority. The process is to be overseen by the Chief Justice or a designated judge. Residents endorsed the provision as a measure to promote fairness, openness, and judicial oversight.

Support was also expressed for Clause 13, which expands the Constitutional Court’s jurisdiction to hear matters involving points of law of general public importance beyond purely constitutional questions. Residents described the amendment as a step toward broader access to justice.

Under Clause 11, the Bill replaces the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission with a newly established Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission responsible solely for boundary delimitation. Clause 14 streamlines the appointment of judges by removing certain procedural layers while retaining consultation with the Judicial Service Commission.

Several residents welcomed the repeal of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission under Clauses 17 and 18, with its functions transferred to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission. Proponents argued that consolidating human rights institutions would strengthen the protection of gender rights within a broader framework.

Clause 20, which repeals a provision restricting traditional leaders’ political rights, was also applauded. Speakers said the amendment restores the constitutional freedoms of traditional leaders while leaving their code of conduct to be regulated by an Act of Parliament.

Clause 15 amends the functions of the Defence Forces by replacing the phrase “to uphold this Constitution” with “in accordance with the Constitution,” a change the Bill’s memorandum says reinforces existing constitutional provisions governing the defence forces.

The Bill further increases the term of office for the President and Parliament from five to seven years under Clauses 3 and 7, and expands the Senate by ten members appointed by the President for their professional skills under Clause 6.

Clause 19 removes the requirement for the President to appoint the Prosecutor-General on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a move the memorandum states addresses potential conflicts of interest. Clause 21 repeals the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.

The public hearings continue across the country as Parliament gathers views on the proposed amendments, which the Bill’s memorandum describes as part of a “broader constitutional evolution” aimed at reinforcing governance and institutional efficiency.

Scores of residents also submitted affidavits to the parliamentary officials during the hearing at Acquatic Complex in Zengeza.

Parliamentary officials confirmed that all submissions from the public hearings in Chitungwiza will be compiled and considered before the Bill proceeds to further stages.