POLITICAL analysts say the proposal to increase the number of Senators under the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill could broaden the pool of potential Cabinet Ministers, enabling the President to appoint capable individuals to drive the country’s socio-economic development.
Among its 21 clauses, the Bill proposes granting the President authority to appoint ten additional Senators, raising the total number of members in the Upper House to 90.
According to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the move is aimed at bringing in broader technical expertise, expanding the pool of potential ministers while reducing political and social divisions.
Political analysts are of the view that the move, if passed, is a step in the right direction towards strengthening constitutional governance.
“This is a good move as it will allow the President to appoint technocrats to the Senate who are well versed with solutions to solve the country’s socio-economic issues and thereby also take from these Senators people to appoint as Ministers,” Political Analyst Lazarus Sauti said.
Political Scientist Dr Levious Chiukira said the proposal will improve the Upper House’s oversight role.
“When you look at clause 8, you will see an intentional move aimed at strengthening the upper house to perform its oversight role. This is a very good proposal that will allow the Senate to better perform,” he said.
Upon the lapsing of the ninety-day consultation process, which began when the Speaker of the National Assembly gazetted the bill on February 16, the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs will give a formal presentation and notice of the bill, paving the way for the first reading.
