Zanu PF, CCC hail bipartisan support for CAB 3

The Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB3) has cleared a major hurdle after securing overwhelming support in the National Assembly, with both ZANU PF and sections of the opposition describing the outcome as a reflection of democratic engagement and a commitment to national development.

The Bill was passed on Thursday after 216 legislators voted in favour, while 42 voted against, comfortably surpassing the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.

ZANU PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi welcomed the result, saying the strong backing across party lines demonstrated public support for reforms aimed at advancing the country's development agenda.

"The overwhelming support of the Bill across the political divide is a clear testimony to the desire by the people of Zimbabwe to have progressive laws," Togarepi said.

"I am excited that the Honourable Members were satisfied with the Bill and what it seeks to achieve. This will allow the current and future governments to work with this forward-looking Constitution as we strive to achieve the development of our people."

The vote exposed divisions within the opposition, with some legislators supporting the Bill while others opposed it. However, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo said the party had deliberately allowed its MPs to vote according to their conscience and the views of their constituents.

"Ahead of this historic vote, the party made a deliberate decision to allow our MPs a free conscience vote," Mlilo said.

"By not imposing a rigid party line, we empowered our MPs to vote in line with the expressed will of their constituencies and their own considered judgment.

"The result of the vote, therefore, reflects the practice of a free and open democracy."

Mlilo urged citizens and political leaders to maintain civility as the Bill moves to the next stage of the legislative process.

"As the Bill proceeds to the Senate for further consideration, we urge all citizens and political actors to engage with civility, decorum and political tolerance," he said.

"Building national consensus and a united nation remains our central priority."

He added that all political stakeholders should place nation-building ahead of partisan interests.

"All parties must be guided by the core principle of sustainable nation-building," Mlilo said.

"The time has come for deliberate, collaborative effort to bring a lasting end to political strife and conflict in our country."

Political commentator Dereck Goto said the level of support the Bill received reflected growing political maturity within Parliament.

"The support across political lines shows maturity in the country's politics that is above partisanship," Goto said.

"This shows that the Bill was accepted on its merits, and that can only be good for the country's development."

The Bill now moves to the Senate, where Ziyambi Ziyambi is expected to present the second reading speech on Tuesday before senators debate its provisions.

Following debate, senators will examine the Bill clause by clause during the committee stage before taking a final vote. Like the National Assembly, the Senate must also approve the amendment by a two-thirds majority.

If successful, the Bill will then be sent to Emmerson Mnangagwa for assent, completing the legislative process required for the constitutional amendments to become law.