National Assembly vote signals maturing democracy, say analysts

Story by Panashe Nagoli

 

POLITICAL analysts have described the voting pattern on the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill in the National Assembly as a sign of growing bipartisan cooperation in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.

 

The proposed legislation sailed through the lower house on Thursday with 216 votes, comfortably exceeding the 187 required for a two-thirds majority.

 

The vote was notable for attracting support from across the political divide, with 35 opposition legislators voting in favour of the Bill, including Citizens Coalition for Change Chief Whip, Honourable Charles Moyo.

 

Analysts say the outcome reflects a shift away from entrenched political polarisation and points to increasing consensus on national issues.

 

“The Second Republic has always been able to garner bipartisan support. POLAD, and that was extended to the Constitutional Amendment Number Three Bill, with 35 members, including the chief whip. That is usually unheard of, so it shows that the democracy is really maturing,” political analyst Dr Matthew Mare said.

 

Political analyst Mr Dereck Goto said the voting outcome demonstrated a level of unity rarely seen in recent years.

 

“We saw an interesting, firstly, the resounding success of 216 votes and then 42 against, but 35 of the 216 were opposition members, so there is the unity aspect that comes with this bill. It has blurred the lines of the political divide,” he said.

 

Another political analyst, Mr Lazarus Sauti said the National Assembly vote mirrored sentiments expressed during the public consultation process.

 

“It was clear that during the consultation process the majority of Zimbabweans were in support of the bill, and hence when one looks at the voting pattern it was just a reflection of that consultation and eventually the joint committee report,” he said.

 

The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill is now set to proceed to the Senate next Tuesday. If approved by the upper house, it will be submitted to the President for assent.

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