Zimbabwe’s National Assembly has passed the contentious Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Number 3 Bill after securing more than the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment.

The Bill now moves to the Senate, where it must again obtain a two-thirds majority before being presented to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for presidential assent.

Political analysts say the Bill is likely to clear the remaining stages, citing the ruling ZANU–PF party’s dominance in the Senate, including support from traditional leaders and other aligned members, which gives the party the numbers needed to amend the Constitution.

Several controversial proposals were removed from the final version of the Bill before the vote, including amendments seeking to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, provisions relating to traditional chiefs, and clauses concerning the defence forces.

–Channel Africa–