The adjournment notice was given by Parliamentary and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Eric Matinenga, who said time should be given to behind the scenes party activities to map the way forward regarding the electoral process.
Matinenga’s notice followed heated protests from MDC legislators against a statement issued by the Clerk of Parliament that the house was adjourning to allow Zanu (PF) time to conduct its primary elections.
MDC-T MPs later formally conveyed their concern through a motion raised by St. Mary’s legislator, Marvellous Khumalo.
“On behalf of MDC-T Members of Parliament I would like to express our disappointment, as a result of a notice given indicating that parliament business would be suspended because Zanu (PF) is preparing for its party primary elections,” said Khumalo before being silenced by the Clerk of Parliament.
MDC-T said parliamentary business was not disrupted as a result of confirmations and primaries held recently by the Morgan Tsvangirai led Movement for Democratic Change. “There is no good reason for Zanu (PF) activities to inconvenience national business such as that for the House of Assembly.”
If parliament makes necessary amendments to the relevant electoral laws, Zimbabwe will have moved a step closer to elections scheduled anytime this year.
President Robert Mugabe had invoked temporary presidential powers to pass the Act, but the Saturday special summit on Zimbabwe in Mozambique reversed that.
Post published in: News