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(HERALD) Constitution Bill passed

Constitution Bill passed
Herald Reporter

THE Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill Number 18 was yesterday unanimously passed by the House of Assembly, amid thunderous applause from both Zanu-PF and MDC legislators. The Bill now awaits transmission to Senate for approval after which it would be gazetted and become law. The Bill — which seeks to harmonise next year’s presidential, parliamentary and local government elections — went through its third reading.

At least 111 Members of the House of Assembly out of the 150, including chiefs, provincial governors and the two Vice Presidents Cde Joseph Msika and Cde Joice Mujuru, who were present, voted in favour of the Bill.

A total of 100 votes are needed for a constitutional Bill to pass in the House of Assembly, which is a two-thirds majority.

A two-thirds majority, 44 out of the 66 Senate votes, is also required for the Bill to pass in the Upper House.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Cde Kumbirai Kangai announced the results.

"The results are 111 Honourable Members voted in favour of the third reading of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill Number 18 Bill (H.B.7, 2007). None have voted against the Bill," Cde Kangai said.

"I therefore, declare to the House, the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act Number 18 Bill has been passed in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe."

Vice President Msika said the event was historic and showed the world that Zimbabweans were a united people.

"I want to thank this honourable House for having me to say a few words after this historic occurrence where our people have demonstrated that we, as Zimbabweans, are capable of solving our own problems.

"We need no external advisers except where we feel it’s necessary," Cde Msika said.

He called on legislators to work together for the development of Zimbabwe irrespective of political affiliation.

"I must say people of Zimbabwe we should get ourselves committed to working together in spite of our political affiliations."

Cde Msika saluted South African President Thabo Mbeki and his government for the support and the role they played in efforts to resolve challenges facing Zimbabwe.

"We have amended our Constitution without any dissent in order to move on and push our development," he said.

Cde Msika urged legislators to continue to be united and continue with that spirit.

"May we keep it like that. Never ever should we fail to love our nation. We should put the love of our people first.

"This is the legacy I want to leave with you. As you know, I have come a long way, it’s time for me to depart. Work together as a nation," Cde Msika said amid resounding applause.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Leader of the House Cde Patrick Chinamasa, who steered the Bill, also congratulated legislators for the unity they had shown to develop the nation.

"I too join you and the rest of the august House to thank you for the support you have shown in trying to shove and move the country forward," Cde Chinamasa said. Lawmakers ululated and broke into song after the Bill sailed through the House.

"Ngatibatane pamwe chete, ngatibatane pamwe chete (Let’s be united, let’s be united)," the legislators sang.

The Bill seeks to increase the House of Assembly membership to 210 from the current 150.

It also stipulates that all members be directly elected
by voters registered in the 210 constituencies that will be delimited.

The Senate will now be comprised of 93 members made up as follows: six Senators per province directly elected by voters registered in the 60 Senatorial constituencies; 10 Provincial Governors appointed by the President in terms of legislation governing the appointment of governors; the president and deputy president of the Council of Chiefs; 16 chiefs, being two chiefs from each of the provinces other than metropolitan provinces; and five Senators appointed by the President.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission will take over the delimitation of House of Assembly and Senate constituencies and council wards.

There will be a consequent repeal of section 59 and 60 of the Constitution.

Under the Bill, all four elections for President, House of Assembly, Senate and Local Authorities are to be synchronised and take place on one day to minimise logistical problems.

In determining the limits of council wards, the ZEC will be empowered to ensure that no ward falls into two or more House of Assembly constituencies.

This change introduces a ward voters’ roll and a voter can only cast a ballot in the ward in which he or she is resident and registered as a voter.

The variation percentage from the mean (average) constituency population will be reduced from 25 percent (as per Constitution Amendment Number 18 Bill) to 20 percent as per the current Constitution, which means the status quo is being maintained.

The Parliamentary Committee on Standing Rules and Orders is to be consulted in the appointment of the Public Protector (proposed new name of the Ombudsman’s Office) and Deputy Public Protector as well as the appointment of the Chairperson of the proposed Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.

The title of the Police Commissioner will be changed to Commissioner General of Police under the Bill and under him will be commissioners responsible for operations, finance and administration.

The post of Deputy Chief Justice will be introduced under the Bill to help ease the burden on the Chief Justice, who has had to discharge both administrative and judicial functions given the expansion the judiciary has undergone since independence.

Labels: THE HERALD

posted by MrK @ 7:02 AM