Recalls could create a one party state

The Zimbabwe  Democracy  Institute (ZDI) has condemned the  recalling of 15 Members of Parliament (MPs) belonging to  main opposition, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)  saying the development weakens  the independence  of parliament and could lead to a one party state.

In a statement, ZDI, said the recalls  eliminate checks and balances and places Zimbabwe on a path to a one party state.

“The recalls weaken the role of Parliamentary democracy  which is based  on the  idea that  parliament  is the supreme legislative  body that makes laws and policies for  the country  and holds the executive  accountable  for its actions. This development seeks to create de-facto one party state where Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF)  can enjoy  a two thirds  majority in parliament and can amend the constitution at will and extend the presidential term limit.”

ZDI also highlighted  that the removal of opposition in parliament is an assault on democracy as it takes away the power of voters to choose their representatives.

“The recalls undermine the principle  of representative democracy  which  is  based on the idea that  people elect their representatives to act on their behalf and express their interests. They deprive people of their  right to choose their representatives  and violate the mandate that they gave the opposition party MPs by reducing the number and influence of opposition  in parliament. The challenge with this is its implications on diversity of views  and voices in parliament as it limits the space for debate and deliberation.”

Recently, the Speaker of  Parliament, Zanu PF’s Jacob Mudenda wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) confirming the recalling of the 15 MPs instigated  by  self proclaimed “Interim Secretary General” of CCC Sengezo Tshabangu.  Mudenda ignored CCC’s president Nelson Chamisa’s advice to disregard Tshabangu as he is not a member of the party. 

Meanwhile, 13 of the affected MPs, Prince Dubeko Sibanda, Bright Vanya Moyo, Velisiwe Nkomo, Jasmine Toffa, Sitabile Mlilo, Pashor Raphael Sibanda, Nicola Jane Watson, Eric Gono, Evidence Sunungurai Zana, Morgan Ncube, Obert Manduna, Janeth Dube, Desmond Makaza have since approached the High Court, challenging their recalls from parliament.