Opposition MPs were first to raise need to shift voters’ roll from ZEC to Registrar-General, says Justice minister Ziyambi as CAB3 debate rages

Zimbabwe's Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, stated in Parliament that the controversial clause in the Constitution Amendment Bill Number 3 (CAB3), which proposes moving voter registration from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General's office, originated from opposition MPs. He cited specific opposition legislators who, in May 2023, argued for this transfer, suggesting the Registrar-General was already performing similar functions effectively. Ziyambi indicated his agreement with their reasoning at the time, emphasizing administrative efficiency and biometric accuracy as key benefits, rather than partisan control. He explained that a constitutional amendment is necessary because the current constitution assigns this function to ZEC. The minister thanked the opposition for initiating the idea, which he stated is now being pursued through the correct legislative channels.

This revelation shifts the narrative on a contentious constitutional amendment, attributing its initial proposal to the opposition, potentially impacting the political debate.