Own Correspondent|Government recently gazetted 27 proposed amendments to the Constitution, so what happens next?

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the Bill will now be tabled for debate in the National Assembly early April, at least 90 days after its gazetting.

“During this period, public consultations will commence with written submissions to the Clerk of Parliament, while relevant committees will conduct public hearings across the country and produce a report after the consultations,”said Minister Ziyambi.

“After that, the Bill is introduced in the House and given its first reading after which a committee report is presented and the parliamentarians debate it.

“After that second reading and winding up of debates, if issues arise after consultations we then go into the committee stage where if there is need, relevant amendments and changes are made.

The Bill will then go through the third House before the vote. A two thirds majority of the vote is required for the bill to pass. It is then ent to the Senate where similar procedures are done before it is sent to the President for assent.

“So the 90 day period will likely come around the end of March so we expect to introduce it in the House early April.”

Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda said Parliament would commence sittings on February 11.

“Committees resume earlier to deal with petitions and public hearings on Bills.

“Yes, we have to do public hearings on all Bills (including the Constitution Amendment Bill).”

Source: State Media