of the sixth Parliament last week, will seek acceptance for amendments to the constitution drawn up almost exclusively by his handpicked loyalists, mainly his point man on constitutional issues, Patrick Chinamasa.
Mugabe will also use the 3rd Parliamentary session to gazette two bills, the Interception of Communications bill and the Suppression of Terrorism Bill that will consolidate his political hold over a country in disastrous economic and social decline.
He also plans to railroad the widely condemned Constitution Amendment No 18. In a move widely seen as overt manoeuvers to use food as a political weapon, Mugabe last week passed statutory instrument SI 153/2007 Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Agriculture) Order barring the import of foodstuffs from foreign countries. Mugabe also wants to use the forthcoming Parliamentary session to bulldoze indigenisation laws forcing foreign-owned companies and mines to cede majority stake to government.
But observers say the proposed new legislation has dismally failed to move many to support the ruling party. Indicators suggest Mugabe’s popularity rating is at an all time low despite the raft of populist measures he is implementing thorough legal instruments. “Mugabe is losing the loyalty of the masses,” said Morgan Tsvangirai, a leading opposition voice at a weekend rally. “He’s a liability the country can’t afford.”
Post published in: News