Parliament opens with heated debate

By Tererai Karimakwenda
22 August 2007

The Third Session of the Sixth Parliament opened on Tuesday with parliamentarians expected to make contributions responding to the speech made by Robert Mugabe last week about his vision for the coming session. The other order of business was to bring back motions that had not been concluded in the previous session so they can be put on what is known as the “order sheet”. In brief, there was not much excitement to speak of, but the fireworks are expected when ZANU-PF introduces two controversial Bills later this session.
Opposition chief whip Innocent Gonese said only two MPs made contributions praising Mugabe and they were both from the ruling party. The proceedings ended in just over an hour and MPs adjourned until Thursday. The contributions were made by Retired Brigadier General Gwanetsa and Zaka East MP Livingstone Chineka. The state’s Herald newspaper had a different spin on the events, as usual. The story said Parliamentarians from both parties hailed the speech by Mugabe, with many saying it showed he was a visionary leader.
Gonese confirmed that many MPs did not attend the Tuesday opening of parliament because this is the time they are usually “getting back and settling into the groove”. He explained that the more serious debate is yet to come.

As we reported, the Constitutional Amendment Bill will harmonise the presidential and parliamentary elections and allow parliament to pick a successor to Mugabe should he die or retire before the end his term. It would also shift constituency boundaries ahead of next year’s elections.
Critics say Mugabe wants to ensure victory by rigging then manufacture a dignified exit. The Economic Empowerment Bill seeks to nationalise foreign-owned firms by giving majority shares to black firms. Critics have dismissed it as a way to give majority shares to companies aligned with ZANU-PF.

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