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{
    "id": 1067274,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1067274/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 104,
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    "content": "3. THAT, on the question as to whether a Bill to amend the Constitution by popular initiative can be amended, and the value and intention of the public participation conducted by the Joint Committee; a Bill to amend the Constitution by popular initiative may not be amended by the House as any amendment shall negate the popular will of the people in directly amending the Constitution. Alterations to the text of such a Bill may only be allowed to correct errors of form or typographical errors before submission for assent as provided for in the Standing Orders. I will invoke this provision of the Standing Orders donated to me by the House at the appropriate stage. In addition, pursuant to the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution, public participation on a Bill to amend the Constitution is mandatory and must be meaningful. The value of the exercise is to apprise hon. Members on the content of the Bill and assist them to make informed decisions during the consideration of this Bill at Second Reading, Committee of the whole House and the Third Reading. It will also assist the people to make informed decisions on whether to approve or reject the Bill when the Bill finally proceeds for a referendum. I am also satisfied that adequate public participation has been undertaken in respect of the Bill, the Bill by its nature being a popular initiative and public participation having been undertaken by the two Committees jointly. An enabling environment and opportunity were given to the public to have their say on the matter."
}