Parliament Is Hell Under Mnangagwa Regime, Opposition MP Reveals – Eduzim News

By Honourable Johnson Matambo MP Kuwadzana West

The effectiveness of Parliamentarians in Zimbabwe after the new dispensation has been a subject of debate.

While the current administration promised a break from the past, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

One of the major challenges facing Parliamentarians is the lack of meaningful reforms.

Despite promises of change, the ruling party has maintained a tight grip on power, limiting the ability of Parliamentarians to hold the executive accountable.

The delay in passing the Constitutional Amendment Bill (Number 2) is a case in point. This bill aimed to give credence to the establishment of provincial councils, a key aspect of the devolution agenda. However, its delay has stalled government efforts to implement this agenda.²

Furthermore, human rights abuses have continued unabated under the new dispensation. Parliamentarians have failed to effectively address these issues, with many critics arguing that they have been co-opted by the ruling party.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has documented numerous cases of human rights abuses, including police brutality, forced disappearances, and restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression.

Despite these challenges, Parliamentarians can still play a crucial role in promoting accountability and good governance. They can do this by:

• Holding the Executive Accountable: Parliamentarians must assert their oversight role and hold the executive accountable for its actions.
• Promoting Human Rights: They must prioritize human rights and take steps to address the ongoing abuses.
• Supporting Devolution: Parliamentarians should support the devolution agenda and ensure that it is implemented in a meaningful way.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of Parliamentarians in Zimbabwe will depend on their ability to assert their independence and promote the interests of their constituents. (Meta on the Effectiveness of the roles of Parliamentarians after the New Dispensation)

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