ERC Worried Over Safety, Organisation Of Constitutional Amendment Bill Public Hearings
Source: ERC Worried Over Safety, Organisation Of Constitutional Amendment Bill Public Hearings ⋆ Pindula News The second day of public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill (H.B. 1, 2026) was marred by localised security lapses, logistical hiccups, and procedural inconsistencies, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) has said. In a statement released on Wednesday, […]
The second day of public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill (H.B. 1, 2026) was marred by localised security lapses, logistical hiccups, and procedural inconsistencies, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) has said.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 1 April, the ERC warned that these problems could undermine the credibility of the consultation process and discourage citizens from freely sharing their views.
The organisation said that for public hearings to be meaningful, they need to be conducted in a safe, well-organised, and transparent manner that allows everyone to participate without fear or hindrance. Part of the statement reads:
“Overall, the political environment on day 2 was not always conducive to the making of free and informed submissions at the public hearings.
“The atmosphere at the public hearings was tense and subdued but underpinned by palpable tensions.”
The ERC reported serious disruptions during public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill.
At the Harare City Sports Centre, there were incidents of physical violence, including the assault of human rights lawyer Doug Coltart. Meanwhile, at Beit Hall in Mutare, observers noted a tense, coercive atmosphere, with signs of organised intimidation.
The ERC also highlighted a lack of coordination between Parliamentary Committees and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
This unclear division of responsibilities allowed unauthorised disruptions to continue unchecked, creating what the ERC described as a “chilling effect” that prevented citizens from participating freely in the hearings. It said:
“The ERC observed that, in several instances, perpetrators of violence were not promptly removed or held to account by onsite authorities, further damaging public confidence in the safety of the proceedings.”
The ERC noted that many attendees were unable to share their views, as time limits and large crowds meant only a small number of participants could make oral submissions. It said:
“While those selected to speak were generally given adequate time and were able to express themselves freely, concerns persist regarding freedom after expression, with increasing reports of victimisation and reprisals against individuals following their participation.
“Additionally, the absence of standardised and transparent criteria for selecting speakers from the floor created a risk of perceived partiality, thereby undermining meaningful participation.”
The ERC has urged the ZRP and Parliament to investigate the reported incidents and take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and conducive environment.
