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{
    "id": 579187,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/579187/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 9,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, Standing Order No.225 (2) (b) requires that the Speaker reports to the House any petition other than those presented through a Member. I, therefore, wish to convey to the House that my office is in receipt of a petition signed by Mr. Gibson Machanga Mareko praying for introduction in the National Assembly of a Bill to amend the Constitution in accordance with Article 256 (1) of the Constitution. The petitioner prays that the Constitution be amended in various Articles as follows:- (i) Article 81 be amended to provide that no person shall hold the same elective office for more than two terms, including Members of Parliament; (ii) Article 138(4)(a) be amended to provide that a candidate shall only be declared elected as President if the candidate receives more than 70 per cent of all the valid votes cast in the election; and, (iii) Article 148(9) be amended to provide that a person shall not be eligible for election as the President if he has served as Vice-President for two terms. Hon. Members, you will agree with me that the prayer sought by the petitioner requires thoughtful consideration as they propose to alter the architecture of our Constitution. Therefore, this petition stands committed to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs for consideration. The Committee is requested to consider the petition and report its findings to the petitioner and the House, in accordance with Standing Order No.227 (2). I must hasten to add that the Committee should also undertake to hear the petitioner with a view to hearing the business of his unique prayers. Thank you."
}