#CAB3

Описание: HON. MUDUMI: Thank you for affording me the opportunity to speak on behalf of the people of Masvingo North Constituency and myself as the representative of the ZANU-PF mass party on the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that countries with progressive democracies always keep their Constitutions under checks if it still suits the will of the majority and the national direction. In that aspect, ours cannot be left out in modernising our democracy. The Bill represents significant and progressive steps towards strengthening the Government systems, improving administrative efficiency and promoting political stability. Constitutional reform is a normal feature of constitutional democracies across the world and it is viewed as a means of ensuring that governance systems remain responsive to national realities and development aspirations. These proposed amendments seek to streamline institutions, eliminate duplication of functions, strengthen accountability and create conditions necessary for the successful implementation of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). This Bill seeks to build a governance architecture that is more efficient, cost-effective and development-oriented. It is at a time like this that Zimbabwe is pursuing ambitious infrastructure, industrialisation and economic transformation programmes. Therefore, the constitutional framework must support policy continuity and the effectiveness of national cohesion. Madam Speaker, in the spirit of leaving no one behind, I support that we continue with the Gender Commission to promote gender equality. The new system we are proposing will require a Parliament that is gender balanced to push the country forward. The time Gender Commission was introduced; we saw that women were getting influential positions and they were encouraged by the policies of the Government. Hence, in Masvingo North, we had managed to have one of the best Attorney Generals and the first female Attorney General in the history of this country. Already, the Registrar General is responsible for maintaining birth, death, national identity and citizenship records. So, consolidating voter registration under the same authority will improve data accuracy, reduce duplication, strengthen accountability and lower the administrative costs. A single authoritative database will enhance the integrity of national records and improve service delivery. Revamping our governance system is also in sync with many systems in the region, like Botswana and South Africa. On Clause 3, I support that Parliament elects the President. This system promotes stronger cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature. It reduces the enormous costs associated with nationwide Presidential elections and this minimises electoral tensions and violence. This model is not unique to countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Ethiopia, Germany, Italy and India, which use the parliamentary mechanisms in selecting their Head of State and Government. These systems have contributed to political stability, stronger institutional accountability and improved policy coherence. Madam Speaker, on Clauses 4, 9 and 10, I support extending the term of office for the President, the Parliament and local authorities from five years to seven years. Frequent elections are costly and often place the country in a perpetual campaign mode. Development requires stability, continuity and adequate time for implementation. Major national projects such as the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road Rehabilitation and other infrastructure industrialisation initiatives require long-term planning and consistent implementation. If you look at China, President Xi Jinping got an extension after starting developmental work that has seen China rise to be a superpower.