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EFF supports Zimbabwe's proposed constitutional amendments
2 hrs ago |
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ECONOMIC Freedom Fighters (EFF) Zimbabwe leader Innocent Ndibali has welcomed the large turnout of residents in Bulawayo during public hearings on the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, saying it reflects strong public engagement with the process.
Thousands of residents reportedly attended hearings held at the Large City Hall and Nketa Hall, where they presented their views on the proposed constitutional changes. According to organisers, the majority of submissions expressed support for the Bill.
In an interview, Ndibali said the level of participation demonstrated that citizens were actively engaging with and supporting the proposed amendments.
"The turnout was massive and it is a testament that people are supporting the proposed changes. The contributions from residents were very mature and clearly showed that the majority of the people of Bulawayo are in support of the Bill," he said.
Ndibali also reiterated his party's support for the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, including proposals to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.
"We have been very clear as EFF Zimbabwe that we are in full support of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill. We have been on record saying there is nothing wrong with extending the President's term from five to seven years," he said.
He criticised some opposition figures and civil society actors who have opposed the Bill, accusing them of misrepresenting its intentions. He named politicians including Tendai Biti and Douglas Mwonzora, as well as academic Lovemore Madhuku, among those he said were misleading the public.
Ndibali further defended proposals for Parliament to elect the President, saying the model was used in other countries and should not be considered controversial.
"In South Africa, the President is chosen through Parliament and there is nothing wrong with that. Those elected into Parliament are trusted by the people to make such decisions on their behalf," he said.
He added that the strong turnout at the hearings demonstrated public interest in constitutional matters and countered criticism from detractors of the proposed amendments.
The nationwide public hearings form part of Parliament's consultation process ahead of potential consideration of the Bill for adoption.
Thousands of residents reportedly attended hearings held at the Large City Hall and Nketa Hall, where they presented their views on the proposed constitutional changes. According to organisers, the majority of submissions expressed support for the Bill.
In an interview, Ndibali said the level of participation demonstrated that citizens were actively engaging with and supporting the proposed amendments.
"The turnout was massive and it is a testament that people are supporting the proposed changes. The contributions from residents were very mature and clearly showed that the majority of the people of Bulawayo are in support of the Bill," he said.
Ndibali also reiterated his party's support for the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, including proposals to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.
"We have been very clear as EFF Zimbabwe that we are in full support of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill. We have been on record saying there is nothing wrong with extending the President's term from five to seven years," he said.
He criticised some opposition figures and civil society actors who have opposed the Bill, accusing them of misrepresenting its intentions. He named politicians including Tendai Biti and Douglas Mwonzora, as well as academic Lovemore Madhuku, among those he said were misleading the public.
Ndibali further defended proposals for Parliament to elect the President, saying the model was used in other countries and should not be considered controversial.
"In South Africa, the President is chosen through Parliament and there is nothing wrong with that. Those elected into Parliament are trusted by the people to make such decisions on their behalf," he said.
He added that the strong turnout at the hearings demonstrated public interest in constitutional matters and countered criticism from detractors of the proposed amendments.
The nationwide public hearings form part of Parliament's consultation process ahead of potential consideration of the Bill for adoption.
Source - the chronicle
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