Questions loom over the new role of parliament

Despite getting a boost when the MDC won the Speakership on Monday, the party came under fire from people who felt they should not attend the opening ceremony.  They complained it was ‘normalising the abnormal,’ and accepting Mugabe’s terms.

 

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) issued a statement condemning the convening of Parliament before the completion of the inter-party talks. CHRA said without an agreement between the two parties, it is very difficult for the Parliament to conduct its business.

 

On Monday the MDC made history by becoming the first opposition party to take away the position of Speaker from ZANU PF, and it is widely believed the impact would have been greater if Robert Mugabe had been forced to open Parliament without the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the MDC’s 100 Members of Parliament. Critics also accuse the party of being ambivalent and sending mixed messages over the issue of boycotting the convening of parliament.

 

Despite the mixed messages, the MDC parliamentarians booed and heckled during Mugabe’s opening address in a clear sign that they did not recognise his legitimacy as Head of State. The party said in a statement that the only person who can officially open this session of parliament will be determined by the outcome of the on-going dialogue sponsored by SADC.

 

In a functioning democracy the role of the Speaker is fairly critical as he leads the business of parliament, regulates debate in the House and holds the government to account. In theory, parliament can also pass laws and issue directives for Cabinet Ministers to appear before it, and if they fail to comply they may be held in contempt.  However, Zimbabwe is not yet a functioning democracy. Analysts say winning the Speakership is a victory for the MDC but seems rather insufficient given the bad state of the nation’s health.

 

Political analyst Brian Kagoro said: “So the question is, whether in a system where parliament has over the years been reduced to a rubber stamp? Or whether controlling the House with nominal majority, having the Speakership amounts to revolutionary change or the sort of transformational change that we expect.”????

 

Kagoro said as long as Mugabe wields the imperial Presidential powers the parliament can go through the symbolic process of passing progressive legislations but the enactment requires presidential assent.

 

ZANU PF still has control of the senate and it is widely believed the roles of the two legislative bodies contribute to a deadlock in the country.

 

Some observers also fear that the regime is still up to no good as it continues to arrest MDC MPs. Three more legislators were arrested on Tuesday while two others were arrested on Monday, although one of the MPs was released on the same day.

 

On the other hand some believe these are the last kicks of a dying horse and that Mugabe’s position is now truly undermined by Tsvangirai and his party. It still remains to be seen if Zimbabwe is witnessing the gradual transfer of power.  SW Radio Afica News