Ziyambi Moves to Fast-Track Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 Following Public Consultations

Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s legislative landscape is set for a significant shift as the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, confirmed that the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3) is moving into its next decisive phase. Following the conclusion of nationwide public hearings, the parliamentary committees are now finalizing reports that will shape the debate in the National Assembly.

Minister Ziyambi revealed that the formal introduction of the bill is imminent, pending the completion of the mandatory 90-day notification period.

"Once the 90 days have lapsed which is the week beginning the 18th of May I will be in a position to formally introduce the bill in the National Assembly," Ziyambi stated. He explained that his primary task during the second reading speech will be to "unpack the bill," providing the legal rationale behind the proposed changes and detailing specific clauses.

The process follows a period of intense engagement where the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs solicited oral and written submissions from citizens across Zimbabwe's ten provinces. These reports will be presented concurrently with the Minister’s speech to reflect public sentiment.

A central point of contention within Amendment Bill No. 3 is the proposed shift in how the executive is constituted. Critics argue that moving toward an indirect election of the President via Parliament rather than a direct popular vote weakens the democratic principle of "one man, one vote," a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

However, Ziyambi dismissed these concerns as "misplaced," citing the country's early post-independence history.

“Zimbabwe didn’t have direct presidential elections between 1980 and 1990. Those arguing that an indirect election erodes the gains of the liberation struggle are factually incorrect,” Ziyambi insisted.

Legal experts remain divided. Veritas Zimbabwe, a prominent legal watchdog, has previously noted that constitutional amendments should prioritize "strengthening democratic institutions rather than consolidating executive power." Meanwhile, eyewitnesses at the Harare consultations reported a polarized atmosphere.

"People are concerned about the stability of the constitution," said Tinashe Moyo, a civil society participant. "We want an amendment process that reflects the will of the people, not just political expediency."

As the National Assembly prepares for the week of May 18, the business community is watching closely. Stability in the legal framework is often cited by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) as a prerequisite for long-term investor confidence.

Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3