"Citizens Are Not Happy With Constitutional Amendments," - Parliamentary Committee
Zimbabwe’s Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Portfolio committee has reported that the citizenry is not happy with the recent constitutional amendment process.
This comes after the Parliament conducted public hearings on Zimbabwe Amendment (No.2) Bill despite opposition from citizens who felt the bill would not represent their views as gatherings are prohibited to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Committee chair and Zanu PF MP for Makoni South, Misheck Mataranyika Zimbabweans felt that it was imperative to prioritise the alignment of existing laws to the Constitution as opposed to amending it. He said:
The major issue expressed was the need to urgently align laws and full implementation of the constitution rather than rush to amend the Constitution.
The committee urges the executive to prioritise the realignment of laws to the constitution and its full implementation.
Some believe the amendment process was conducted despite strong opposition from stakeholders because it seeks to fortify President Mnangagwa’s stay in power.
Among other things, the Bill seeks to grant powers to a sitting President to appoint his two deputies, handpick judges for promotion to higher courts as well as increase the number of non-MP ministers he could appoint to the cabinet.
More: NewZimbabwe
