Senators sworn into ‘white elephant’ parliament

By Lance Guma
01 December 2005

After much attrition in the opposition over whether to participate in senate elections or not, the winning senators were sworn into parliament on Wednesday. A boycott by the Movement for Democratic Change handed Zanu PF a majority of 59 out of 66 upper house seats. Out of the 50 elective seats, Zanu PF won 43 to the 7 won by the faction of the MDC which decided to contest in the elections.

Mugabe, using powers from a controversial constitutional amendment, appointed six senators with the remaining 10 coming from traditional chiefs and leaders. Beneficiaries of Mugabe’s patronage include Kantibal Patel, Joshua Malinga, Tazvitya Mapfumo, and businessman Guy Georgias. Edna Madzongwe is the new President of the senate, deputised by Naison Ndlovu.

A notable exclusion has been former Home Affairs Minister, Dumiso Dabengwa who many expected to be included in the line up of senior politicians.