Constitutional bill sails through the second reading stage

THE House of Assembly is today expected to pass the Constitutional Bill despite spirited attempts by MDC formations to delay its speedy passage.

The Bill sailed through the Second Reading stage last night after several legislators made contributions to the debate.

It is understood that the two MDC formations were in collusion to stall the passage of the Constitutional Bill this week as part of a grand plan they employed to delay the impending harmonised polls that should be held before the life of Parliament lapses at the end of next month.

Insiders in the MDC-T yesterday said the party drew a long list of legislators who were expected to contribute to the debate to delay its conclusion by giving what appeared to be valedictory speeches.

But on the other hand, Zanu-PF leadership told its legislators that there was no need to debate it since no substantive amendments would be made to the Bill.

Zanu-PF chief whip Jorum Gumbo said they expect the Bill to be passed today.

"The Bill should be passed tomorrow (today) because what is only left is the committee stage where amendments proposed by the management committee should be effected. The amendments are of less significance because they are only meant to clean up the Bill so we don't expect to have any problems," Gumbo said in an interview.

Zanu-PF legislator for Tsholotsho North constituency Professor Jonathan Moyo accused the MDC-T of abusing debate on the Constitutional Bill by turning it into valedictory speeches to mourn their dead political careers.

"The MDC-T MPs are insulting members of the public that voted for the Bill with the understanding that Parliament was going to endorse the document without delay for them to start enjoying the benefits of the new Constitution, for example, the Bill of Rights and the elections.

"These valedictory addresses are robbing the people of every minute and delaying the implementation of the new Constitution. The people do not want to hear these speeches.

"The people are impatient out there, they are waiting for Parliament to pass the Bill and President assents to it to become law. They are denying the people of Zimbabwe that right. That is cruel. We in Zanu-PF are waiting to confirm the results of the referendum and go for elections," he said.

During the debate, several MPs continued debating into the night.

If the House of Assembly passes the Bill today, it would then be referred to the Senate where it is expected to go through three readings.

If the Upper House adopts it, the Bill would then be sent to President Mugabe for assent and become effective upon gazetting.

At that stage, there would be amendments to certain laws to align them with the new constitution.