CAB3: MPs back parliamentary election of President as ZGC merger clause divides House

CAB3: MPs back parliamentary election of President as ZGC merger clause divides House

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Lawmakers debating Constitutional Amendment Number 3 (CAB3) have supported proposals to change how Zimbabwe elects its President, with several legislators backing a shift from direct presidential elections to a parliamentary election system.

The debate continued on Friday as the National Assembly considered the Bill’s 22 clauses. Among the dominant issues were the proposed move to have the President elected through Parliament, and a proposed transfer of voters’ roll management from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General.

Some legislators argued that the parliamentary system could help reduce election-related violence. “Direct elections, since time immemorial, have always been marred by violence. If the process is moved to Parliament, we would have solved the problem of electoral violence,” one legislator said during debate.

Another MP said the proposal fits within representative democracy. “I support the move to change the way in which we elect the President. The people have elected us to represent them, so it makes sense for us to elect the President,” the lawmaker said.

“My constituents support clause 3 of CAB3, and I therefore move that the House adopts it in its entirety,” another legislator added.

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However, debate revealed divisions over a clause proposing that functions of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) be transferred to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), with legislators from both sides of the House offering mixed views.

Some MPs warned the proposed change could weaken programming focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment. “My constituents has sent me to defend the ZGC. We need that institution to remain as it is, because if it is moved to the ZHRC there is a risk of dilution,” one MP said.

Another legislator said: “As a woman standing here today, it is because of the ZGC. The work it is doing in women’s empowerment should not be disturbed.”

Others noted that while gender issues are part of human rights, standalone gender institutions are recognised internationally. “The need for a gender commission is consistent with international standards. Yes, gender issues are human rights issues, but internationally, gender institutions stand alone,” another lawmaker said.

Debate on CAB3 is expected to continue on Tuesday after the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, moved for the adjournment of the House.

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