Tensions are rising in Zimbabwe’s parliament after opposition legislators chose to boycott this week’s official opening ceremony. President Mnangagwa delivered his State of the Nation address to kick off the new parliamentary session. However, members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party were noticeably absent from the event.
In response, parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda invoked standing orders to penalize the no-show politicians. He declared that the CCC legislators would not get their travel allowances for returning home, and have the costs of their hotel stays during the trip deducted from their salaries. Mudenda argued this was necessary to uphold parliamentary protocol.
“It is therefore clear that there have been some violations of those Standing Orders. Members of the CCC have come to Harare after Parliament was summoned by His Excellency, the President and have stayed in hotels and have been given and facilitated their travel to Harare.
“Therefore, there have been violations of these Standing Orders and in terms of powers invested in me as Speaker, I instruct the Clerk of Parliament to ensure that CCC members will not receive their coupons to go back home,” said Adv Mudenda.
“Secondly, their stay in hotels at the taxpayers’ generosity and commitment will be deducted from their salaries. I further request the Leader of Government Business to look into the Political Parties Finance Act to find out whether further sanctions cannot be applied.”
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who leads the ruling ZANU-PF party in parliament, said the opposition members had no good reason for skipping such an important ceremony. Now that elections are over, all MPs are expected to participate in parliamentary duties. However, the CCC claims they are still protesting alleged flaws in the election process.
Despite the opposition boycott, President Mnangagwa outlined his legislative agenda and vision for the country in the coming years. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere praised the speech, noting reforms to media laws and expansions of technologies. Muswere believes these changes will create a better informed society.
Mnangagwa also announced an amendment to recognize Botswana’s role in supporting Zimbabwean liberation fighters decades ago. Botswana ambassador expressed gratitude, acknowledging that while their nation didn’t directly fight, it provided safe havens for fighters travelling to Mozambique and Zambia.
Finally, Chris Mutsvangwa, a cabinet minister and ZANU-PF spokesman, dismissed the CCC protests. He said most Zimbabweans now care more about putting food on the table than political squabbles. The government remains focused on stimulating prosperity through legislation and services.
“They (CCC) are like wolves howling to the moon. We couldn’t care less if they want to be in Parliament or not, we will carry on with our duties to ensure there is prosperity in Zimbabwe. Long gone are the days of politics of boycotting, people want food on their table, people want jobs, people want all the services so that Government can deliver prosperity which so many people sacrificed for, that is what we are focused on,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
