CCC MP Discent Collins Bajila – initially listed as one of the MPs who voted with the government for Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3) before the Hansard was corrected to remove his name from those who voted for – writes an open letter to his constituents in Emakhandeni-Luveve explaining how he missed the vote in the National Assembly. The Bill sailed through with 216 votes to 42, clearing the 187 mark for a two thirds majority. Twenty-two MPs did not vote:

I HAVE listened carefully to the strong public reaction to my absence during the vote on Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3). While records indicate that 22 MPs didn’t vote, there’s a loud and clear nationwide disappointment that I am indeed part of this number.

The level of disappointment and scrutiny shows the high trust and expectations placed in me. I do not take that lightly. The old English adage “to whom much is given, much more is expected,” aptly applies in this case. Clearly, I fell short on this occasion.

From the outset, let me be clear: I am bound by the consultative polls we held in our constituency platform on 23-24 May 2026. Nearly 80 percent of Emakhandeni-Luveve constituency residents opposed the clauses of Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3).

I intended to vote standing firmly with the majority view of fellow constituents. Had I intended not to vote, I would have simply not attended parliament.

I seek not to provide and excuse for myself but to provide a narration of what happened so that those who decide to either forgive or punish, do so on the basis of material facts.

On June 18, 2026, while I had participated in the opening proceedings, I received an urgent call from someone helping our family search for my missing nephew, Shaun, who has now been missing for over two months.

Given that as a family we recently buried one of our own who initially went missing, this constitutues a painful and ongoing family crisis. I stepped out to handle the call. It lasted long.

Unfortunately, I was denied permission to re-enter the chamber in time for the vote. I take full and sole responsibility for not being present to cast my vote against the Bill. There are no excuses.

Had I been aware that when the Speaker divides the House, once doors are closed no-one may be allowed inside, I would have managed the situation in a way that ensured I remained in the House.

I sincerely apologise to the people of Emakhandeni-Luveve and to all Zimbabweans who expected me to be there and to vote against this amendment. Your anger is legitimate.

My absence created the impression of fence-sitting, and that is something I deeply regret. My position has not changed and will not change: I remain opposed.

One vote would not have altered the outcome, but every voice that stands with the people matters. I let you down by not being there to add mine. Going forward, I commit to greater vigilance. I will continue to lend a shoulder to the effort of rejecting any measures that undermine democratic rights and people’s power.

I also remain committed to keeping you updated on our family’s search for Shaun and appeal for any information that can help bring him home.

Thank you for holding me to account.