Zimbabwe government prepares for national elections in July 2013. A new constitution has been approved by the House of Assembly and the Senate., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
Constitution Bill awaits Presidential assent
Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:25
Farirai Machivenyika and Rugare Maranga
THE House of Assembly has approved amendments to the Constitutional Amendment Bill (20) proposed in Senate on Tuesday. According to the proposed amendments, parliamentarians will now be required to take oath or affirmation before the Clerk of Parliament instead of the Chief Justice, or a judge of the Constitutional Court.
Other amendments related to wording of some clauses in the document.
At least 148 legislators yesterday voted in favour of adoption of the amendments, more than the two-thirds majority threshold required by law.
The adoption was greeted by loud applause from legislators.
The passage of the Bill in Parliament is another step towards the proclamation of election dates.
Last week, President Mugabe told delegates attending the Zimbabwe Local Government Association Conference in Mutare that the adoption of a new supreme law will guide the setting of the dates for the harmonised polls to end the inclusive Government.
Yesterday, a cross section of Zimbabweans said there should be no further delays in holding elections, now that Parliament had passed the Constitutional Bill.
Mr Simon Chiwanza from Kuwadzana said the passage of the Bill was a step forward towards elections.
“Zimbabweans are raring to go to elections . . . we are tired of the incompetent inclusive Government. I do not see any reason why the President should not proclaim the poll dates because the Constitution Bill has been passed.
“We will not tolerate further delays by the MDC formations . . . we are itching to go to elections as soon as possible,” he said.
Borrowdale resident Mr Julius Mazhiri, echoed similar sentiments saying the passage of the Bill was an historic event for Zimbabweans..
“People are celebrating the passage of the Bill and I think if the authorities were to hold elections soon people would vote freely because the prevailing environment is conducive to conduct credible elections” he said.
Ms Sharon Katuruza from Alexandra Park, said the people were uncertain about elections and the Bill at least showed a brighter side towards elections.
“Personally, I think the country should now hold the elections now that we have a new Constitution” she said.
Ms Eve Nyamadzawo also welcomed the adoption of the Bill saying what was now needed was to have elections so that the country has a proper government to address the challenges it was currently facing.
“What is left now is to allow Zimbabweans to elect a government of their choice in the same way they voted for the constitution. So we urge all politicians to work towards holding elections as soon as possible,” she said.
The President has said elections will be held on or before June 29 when the life of of the Seventh Parliament ends.
Meanwhile, a six-member delegation from the Ugandan parliament is in Zimbabwe on a study tour and attended the sitting of the Senate on Tuesday and that of the House of Assembly today.
Speaker of the House of Assembly Mr Lovemore Moyo acknowledged the presence of the delegation during yesterday’s sitting.
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