ZANU PF has started abusing its parliamentary majority. Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda and his deputy Tsitsi Gezi have repeatedly stifled debates on critical issues raised by opposition members.
Last week, Mudenda blocked a debate in the National Assembly about President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s comments against Zambia during a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Mnangagwa criticized Zambia’s ties with Western countries, claiming it posed a regional security threat due to its relationship with the United States and the alleged presence of a US Africa Command base in Lusaka. Mnangagwa accused Zambia of aiding Western efforts to isolate Zimbabwe from its neighbors and sought defense and food security support from Putin.
When the matter was brought to Parliament, Mudenda blocked the discussion, stating that foreign relations were a “no-go area” for the Legislature.
On Tuesday, Gezi also blocked a debate on the arrest of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists at the home of interim leader Jameson Timba in Avondale, Harare. Budiriro South legislator Darlington Chigumbu (CCC) had raised concerns about the inhuman treatment of the arrested activists. However, Gezi ruled against the discussion, advising Chigumbu to address the relevant minister during question time.
“If it is in connection with the arrest of people, we cannot discuss that in this House,” Gezi said. “You can ask the minister concerned tomorrow during question time if you have issues. We cannot discuss those issues and I cannot give a ruling on the arrest of citizens in this country.”
Political analyst Ruben Mbofana criticized the lack of a vibrant opposition in Parliament, allowing Mudenda and Gezi’s decisions to go unchallenged. “This speaks volumes to how we no longer have a meaningful opposition within Parliament and the country in general,” Mbofana said. “In a functional democracy, the ruling establishment would not be allowed to get away with not being held accountable in the manner we witness in Zimbabwe.”
Mbofana emphasized the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable. “Right now, we don’t have that in Zimbabwe. As such, the ruling party can do pretty much what it wants without anyone calling it out, particularly in Parliament,” he said. He warned that this situation posed a significant danger to Zimbabwe’s democracy.
“We cannot have a government that arrests opposition members and even brutalizes them without being made to answer. We also cannot simply allow the head of state to make reckless statements in foreign lands about our neighbors, creating tensions between Zambia and Zimbabwe, without him being questioned by Zimbabweans,” Mbofana added.
Timba and the 78 CCC activists showed visible signs of torture when they appeared in court on Tuesday. They were arrested on Sunday at Timba’s house, where they were commemorating the Day of the African Child, according to party officials.
The repeated blocking of debates by ZANU PF’s parliamentary leadership highlights the challenges faced by opposition parties in Zimbabwe. As the country prepares for future elections, the need for a robust and independent legislative body is more critical than ever.
Source: Newsday
