President Robert Mugabe was sworn into office for his current term on June 28, 2008. According to the constitution, only the president and the executive arm of government will remain in office until a new president takes office. This should be four months after parliament has been dissolved. The election deadline will, therefore, be October 28, 2013. However, there needs to be legislative reforms first, such as the adoption of the new constitution.
“Life of Parliament can only be extended if there is a national security threat, a declaration of war, state of emergency or if there has been a constitutional amendment,” said Constitutional Law expert, Lovemore Madhuku.
The looming dissolution of Parliament would pile pressure on the House when it resumes sitting as it has outstanding bills to deal with such as a motion to remove the Public Order and Security Act Amendment and three finance bills among others.