Tariro Mandizvidza

Good Morning, Fellow Zimbabweans, I trust that I find you well today. I wish to address two important matters of national interest concerning the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3, which is currently undergoing the legislative process in the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe. Firstly, I would like to update all interested stakeholders on the current status of the Bill. I'm pleased to formally announce, in my capacity as the Leader of Opposition Business in the 10th Parliament, that the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 successfully passed through the National Assembly yesterday with the required two-thirds majority following a peaceful, transparent, and democratic voting process. I would like to commend all MPs for conducting themselves in a mature, professional, and responsible manner throughout the debate and voting proceedings. Their conduct demonstrated the strength of our democratic institutions and reinforced Zimbabwe's commitment to constitutionalism and parliamentary democracy. Such orderly proceedings are a testament to the competence and effectiveness of our Parliament, which I believe ranks among the most capable legislative bodies in Sub-Saharan Africa. I also extend my appreciation to the Speaker of Parliament for his leadership in ensuring that the process was conducted in accordance with parliamentary procedures and established democratic principles. Following the successful passage of the Bill in the National Assembly, Parliament adjourned yesterday and will resume next Tuesday. On that day, the Minister of Justice Hon Ziyambi, will introduce the Bill in the Senate through its First Reading. This stage will mark the formal introduction of the Bill into the Senate, where it will begin a legislative process similar to the one recently completed in the National Assembly. As always, I will continue to provide updates on every stage of the Bill's progress in the Senate to ensure that the public remains informed. Secondly, I wish to address allegations currently circulating on various social media platforms concerning opposition MPs of who voted in support of the Bill during yesterday's proceedings. It is important for all Zimbabweans to remember that ours is a democratic nation governed by a Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including the freedom of conscience, and participation in democratic processes. Every elected representative is entitled to exercise their judgment when voting on matters before Parliament, guided by personal conviction, the interests of constituents, and their interpretation of what best serves the nation. Therefore, opposition MPs who voted in favour of the Bill exercised a constitutional right afforded to them as elected representatives of the people. Allegations that they were coerced, intimidated, or improperly influenced by ZANU-PF to support the Bill remain unsubstantiated and, at present, amount to mere speculation. Such claims should be supported by credible evidence before they are accepted as fact. I therefore unequivocally reject these accusations as false, malicious, and potentially damaging to the democratic principles that underpin our constitutional order. Attempts to delegitimise the decisions of elected representatives without evidence risk undermining the rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, particularly those contained within the Declaration of Rights. As citizens, we may hold differing political opinions, but we must always respect democratic processes, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of others, even when we disagree with the outcomes. I thank you, fellow Zimbabweans, for your continued interest in parliamentary affairs. I remain committed to keeping the nation informed as the legislative process progresses, and I will continue to provide updates on any significant developments regarding this Bill. I wish you all a peaceful and enjoyable weekend. Thank you.