Vox pop on MP allowances

Last week, Members of Parliament demanded outreach allowances during a workshop organised by COPAC before going out to constituencies to mobilise for a Yes vote on the referendum. Legislators are expected to mobilize support for the draft that was endorsed by the three parties in the inclusive government.

The MPs demanded $100 per day to cater for their accommodation, food and transport in their respective constituencies.

The Zimbabwean went into the streets of Harare to find out what people thought about the parliamentarians’ demands.

“It is now clear that these MPs do not have the interests of the people at heart. Why would they require money to educate people in their constituencies about the draft constitution? I think it is their mandate to serve the people,” said Marcus Mhuru of Mabvuku.

Jessica Moyo said the MPs’ demands were a warning to the electorate ahead of elections.

“As we go for elections we must be cautious of the people we are going to put in power. We need to vote for candidates who understand that being an MP is not a form of employment, but a national service,” she said.

Edith Pasare (32) of Chikurubi Support Unit said most MPs deserted their constituencies soon after being elected and were not comfortable with conducting the awareness campaigns.

“Some MPs have never visited their constituencies and they are afraid of going back to the people with the draft constitution after five years of silence,” she said.

Samuel Jari of Mandara said parliamentarians should grab the opportunity to educate the people and campaign for their political parties.

“We have seen reports that POSA is going to be suspended during the outreach period and I think people should just take this as an opportunity to meet with the people without any restrictions,” he said.

However, Tichaona Zivanai of Warren Park D had a different view saying that it was important for the parliamentarians to get an allowance to enable them to disseminate information effectively.

“People should not be quick to judge, they should understand that some of these constituencies are very big and MPs are required to be mobile. The government should consider giving them an allowance so that everyone will get a chance to understand the constitution, otherwise they will not cover the whole constituency,” he said.

Commenting on the MPs’ demands, COPAC Co Chairperson, Douglas Mwonzora, said it was the MPs mandate to educate people in their constituencies on the draft constitution.

“I don’t see the need for parliamentarians to be paid for educating people in their constituencies. COPAC does not have money to cater for those allowances, we, however, expect the government to consider their appeal,” said Mwonzora.