Parliament In Chains, ZANU Pf’s Grip Tightens On Zimbabwe’s Democracy

By Shingirai Vambe

Zimbabwe’s parliament, once a beacon of democracy and accountability, has devolved into a mere puppet show, with the ruling Zanu PF party pulling the strings. The institution, tasked with representing the people’s interests, has been infiltrated and compromised, rendering it a laughing stock.

Former Norton Legislator, Themba Mliswa once said Parliament was a circus, after a number of pertinent issues were thrown through the window by the speaker, Jacob Francis Mudenda, who
is known for chucking members out of the house for ‘disorderly conduct’

The latest session of parliament has been marked by farcical scenes, with Zanu PF MPs shamelessly toeing the party line, dismissing opposition views, and rubber-stamping decisions without scrutiny. The once-hallowed halls of parliament now resemble a mere extension of the ruling party’s headquarters.

Critics argue that the parliament’s failure to hold the executive accountable has allowed corruption, mismanagement, and authoritarianism to flourish. The opposition, despite its valiant efforts, remains stifled and marginalized.

Citizens have given up and one, Tendai Matsika told this publication that, the institution which is meant for the citizens now stand as an extension of the ruling ZANU PF headquarters
and security offices. As the country teeters on the brink of economic collapse and political chaos, the need for a functional and independent parliament has never been more urgent. Will Zimbabwe’s parliament find the courage to break free from Zanu PF’s stranglehold and reclaim its rightful role as a champion of the people’s interests?”

The 2023 general elections and 2024 by-elections results, and events that unfolded later emanating from the opposition, showing the hand of the third part, the state at play, has drawn the institution to have the 2/3 majority in Parliament, resulting in undisputed voting numbers of members to the law, described by citizens and members of the opposition political parties as oppressive and anti-people.

ZANU PF now has 190 members representing different constituencies  out of 280 seats in Zimbabwe.

As inscribed, The Legislature of Zimbabwe consists of Parliament and the President. Legislative authority of Zimbabwe is derived from the people through democratic elections founded on values of fairness and transparency and is vested in the Legislature. s.117 (2)(b) of the constitution states that the Legislature has power to amend the constitution and to ‘… make laws for the peace, order and good governance of Zimbabwe’

The 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe gives prominence to the fact that all institutions and agencies of the state and government are accountable to Parliament. Even the Presidency as a state institution is not exempt from accountability to Parliament.

For years, citizens have highlighted on the poor performance of Parliament and failure to hold the executive to account. on several occasions, the Speaker denied and declined motions and debates relating to holding the executive and ministers from the governing party to account. he has done so, covering their inability to lead, respond to issues of national interests.

The opposition political parties have been pushing for amendments of various laws, little was done during the 9th parliament, to this day because of the 2/3 majority in Parliament, there is a tight grip on democracy and rule of law in Zimbabwe, Zanu PF  party can change the constitution at will.

To this day, the following and response to the events and programs of Parliament continue to drop in large numbers as it is failing to represent the will of the masses and politicization of the August House.

Members on several occasions have reported back to Parliament that during their public consultation programs, a low turn-out was recorded and in some instances, they would find no-one at the proposed venue. Residents of Mutare who spoke to this publication said, it was of no use.

According to Southern African Legal Information Institute (SAFII), J Mapuva and L Muyengwa said, it has been  noted that Zimbabwe has experienced tumultuous and unprecedented political, economic and social developments in the last two decades. there developments have seen the enactment of new legislation and/or the amendment of the existing legislation in order to facilitate the militarization of public institutions to the detriment of the civilian population of the country. these constitutional developments showed the extent to which the political dispensation was striving for political survival against the backdrop of an increasingly restive population which was responding to the decay of democracy that characterized political developments from the 1990s.

The rise of a pro-democracy civil society movement in the country was in response to deteriorating democracy. Public participation in any facet of life guided by partisan pieces of legislation that prescribe certain anticipated behaviors from the general populace. over the years, laws have been put in place, but in times these laws were amended to curtail human rights and hurt the very people that they intended to protect.

Former Mbizo Legislator, Settleement Chikwinya told the Post On Sunday newspaper that “The country’s legislative framework has created a binary reality, where the interests of the powerful few are prioritized over the needs of the many, leaving citizens without adequate protection or recourse.”

Section 129(K) is one, Hon Sibusisiwe Bhudha Masara emphasized on the participation of women in the country’s political landscape.

Zimbabwe’s legislature has failed to guard citizens’ rights, perpetuating a binary system where those in power thrive while the marginalized suffer. This stark dichotomy underscores the need for robust representation and accountability to bridge the gap between the ruling elite and the vulnerable populace.

The new US ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, told journalists in Harare that Human rights are rightly  enshrined in the Zimbabwe’s Constitution, Everybody deserves the same dignity and human rights across society and should be allowed to participate inclusively in the prosperity of the country.

she added and said, “We don’t believe that economic prosperity is possible until those rights, freedoms and protections are upheld

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