Zanu (PF) resolved at its Gweru conference last December that it should call Mugabe to dissolve parliament if the constitution draft failed to materialise by Christmas 2012. The draft constitution is still in limbo.
Party spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, has already admitted that some of its resolutions were unrealistic, even though he insists that Zanu (PF) would not be dictated to by SADC.
There were fears that should Mugabe dissolve parliament, the whole road map for a democratic dispensation would be thrown into jeopardy, as it would be almost impossible to draft a new people’s charter or institute fundamental reforms necessary for a free and fair election.
Political analyst, John Makumbe, said Mugabe could only dissolve Parliament if his party or any other GNU partner walked out of the GPA.
“If Zanu (PF) walks out of the GPA, Mugabe can then dissolve parliament. Chances are very slim that Zanu (PF) would walk out of the GPA as Mugabe is anxious not to be found on the wrong side by SADC and AU.”
Makumbe said Mugabe should rather help the constitution draft see the light of day and wait for what the people will decide at the constitutional referendum after the draft has been adopted.
“For the constitution to be passed, the process takes place when parliament is sitting. Also, no single party in parliament has the required two-thirds’ majority to push its agenda in parliament. So, both parties need each other’s vote and dissolution of parliament is not an option for Mugabe,” said Makumbe.
Constitutional law expert, Lovemore Madhuku, said parliament would run its term to the end.
“Mugabe cannot dissolve Parliament. Parliament is on a break and will resume business early next month. How can Mugabe say I have dissolved it and go home to sleep?”
He said the reality is that sitting MPs will last until new candidates come in after the next elections.
“Honestly, no one should be talking of unilaterally dissolving parliament to call for early elections at this juncture,” said Madhuku.
Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary affairs, Eric Matinenga, said Parliament would resume business as normal.
“Parliament is opening on 7 February 2013. Why should it fail to resume after the current break?”
Matinenga said the president could dissolve parliament through powers bestowed on him by the constitution, but this was unlikely to happen. He expressed hope that when parliament opened, the draft constitution would be ready.
Zanu (PF) spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, told The Zimbabwean: “When we pass resolutions we expect to achieve them. But naturally some are bound to fail while others see the light of day. As for the constitution making, let us give the responsible parliamentary team a chance to make a break through.”
Post published in: News