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Opposition Movement Raises Alarm Over Wicknell Chivayo Attempt To Bribe MPs With USD 3.6 Million<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 Concerns are mounting after controversial ZANU PF-linked tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo was reportedly linked to a plan involving millions of dollars allegedly meant for legislators, a development that has triggered sharp criticism from the Action Democratic Movement (ADM).<\/p>\n
In a statement released on Sunday, ADM issued an open letter addressed to the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, warning of what it described as serious constitutional and ethical implications surrounding the alleged disbursement of US$3.6 million to Members of Parliament and Senators\u2026<\/p>\n
OPEN LETTER TO THE SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT<\/p>\n
Re: Urgent Constitutional and Ethical Concerns Regarding Reported US$3.6 Million Payment to Members of Parliament<\/p>\n
18 April 2026
Harare, Zimbabwe
The Honourable Speaker of Parliament
Parliament of Zimbabwe
Harare<\/p>\n
Honourable Speaker,
The Action Democratic Movement (ADM) says it is writing with urgency over widely circulating reports that a private individual, Mr Wicknell Chivayo, is planning to distribute a total of US$3.6 million to legislators, allegedly with approval from senior levels of the Executive.<\/p>\n
The party noted that this situation is unfolding at a sensitive time, as Parliament prepares to debate constitutional amendments that could potentially delay elections and extend the presidential term.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe convergence of these events raises serious constitutional, ethical, and institutional questions that cannot be ignored.\u201d<\/p>\n
Protection of Parliamentary Integrity
ADM emphasized that Parliament remains the country\u2019s highest law-making body, tasked with representing citizens, overseeing the Executive, and defending constitutional democracy.<\/p>\n
The movement warned that any financial dealings between private individuals and sitting MPs, especially those conducted outside formal public finance systems, could weaken Parliament\u2019s independence, compromise decision-making, and damage public trust.<\/p>\n
Risk of Undue Influence in a Constitutional Moment
The party raised alarm over reports that the funds would be distributed equally among legislators, with provisions allowing the money to be redirected if declined.<\/p>\n
It argued that such an arrangement introduces both incentive and pressure, particularly given the timing ahead of key constitutional votes.
\u201cGiven the proximity to a pending vote on constitutional amendments, this situation creates a reasonable perception of potential undue influence.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement added that even the perception of interference is enough to erode legitimacy, stressing that \u201cParliament must be beyond reproach.\u201d
Separation of Powers Concerns
ADM also expressed concern over claims that the arrangement may have received backing from top levels of the Executive.<\/p>\n
If true, the party warned, this could blur the constitutional separation of powers and open the door to indirect Executive influence over legislative processes.
\u201cParliament\u2019s independence must not only be preserved \u2014 it must be demonstrably protected.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bypassing Public Finance Systems
The movement pointed out that Zimbabwe already has established mechanisms such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which are subject to oversight, audits, and accountability.<\/p>\n
It cautioned that introducing privately managed funding channels risks undermining transparency, bypassing safeguards, and exposing public institutions to governance risks.<\/p>\n
Call for Leadership
ADM reminded the Speaker that the office carries a constitutional duty to protect parliamentary integrity, enforce ethical standards, and maintain public confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis moment calls for decisive and principled leadership.\u201d
ADM\u2019s Requests
The party urged the Speaker to take immediate action, including:
Issuing a clear public directive on whether MPs can legally accept such funds<\/p>\n
Advising legislators to reject the money pending review
Referring the matter to oversight bodies such as the anti-corruption commission
Ensuring constitutional debates proceed free from financial influence
Reaffirming Parliament\u2019s commitment to transparency and independence
Conclusion<\/p>\n
ADM concluded by warning that Zimbabwe is at a critical constitutional crossroads, where the credibility of Parliament is at stake.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny action, perceived or real, that compromises that integrity risks undermining the very Constitution Parliament is sworn to uphold.\u201d
The party added that citizens are looking to Parliament\u2019s leadership to act with firmness, neutrality, and a clear commitment to defending democratic principles.<\/p>\n
Respectfully submitted,
Action Democratic Movement (ADM)
Harare, Zimbabwe<\/p>\n
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