Residents of Epworth have expressed strong support for Amendment Number 3 Bill, with many endorsing provisions aimed at strengthening governance, promoting stability, and improving service delivery across the country.
Speaking during the public hearings held at the Epworth Local Board Open Space, political activist Godfrey Tsenengamu said Parliament should be empowered to elect the President since it already holds the constitutional authority to impeach the same President.
“Parliament is the one that has the power to impeach the President, therefore, it should also be given the power to elect the President,” Tsenengamu said. “This creates a direct line of accountability between the Executive and the Legislature and strengthens democratic oversight.”
The hearings attracted a cross-section of residents, businesspeople, youth representatives, and civic leaders, all of whom presented their views on the proposed amendments. Residents said the Bill seeks to reinforce constitutional governance, strengthen democratic structures, clarify institutional mandates, and harmonise Zimbabwe’s constitutional order with tested and successful practices in other progressive jurisdictions.
Participants noted that the Bill modernises and streamlines various aspects of the constitutional framework while upholding the values of the 2013 Constitution. They said the reforms form part of a broader constitutional evolution intended to enhance institutional efficiency, political inclusivity, and long-term national stability.
A major point of support was the proposed extension of the presidential term from five to seven years. Residents argued that frequent elections disrupt long-term development projects, divert attention from service delivery, and create opportunities for political violence, particularly during presidential elections.
Epworth Resident, Getrude Kambanje, said the amendment would allow Government to complete critical projects.
“We commend the extension of the presidential term because it allows the President to finish off ongoing projects without disruption. Communities like ours suffer when projects are left incomplete due to political cycles,” she said.
Youth representative Juliet Banda added: “We support the term extension because it ensures that long-term projects are completed and communities fully benefit. Young people want to see results, not promises interrupted by elections.”
Residents also praised provisions aimed at restructuring electoral processes and consolidating constitutional commissions, including the absorption of the Gender Commission’s functions into centralised structures. They said merging some roles would reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and strengthen service delivery.
“The introduction of a parliamentary method for selecting the President, under judicial oversight, strengthens accountability and ensures transparency,” said one resident.
Officials conducting the hearings said submissions from Epworth would be compiled and submitted to Parliament for consideration, emphasizing that public participation remains a critical part of shaping Zimbabwe’s constitutional reform process.
