MDC-T accused of stalling the Constitutional Bill

MDC-T has been accused of deliberately stalling debate on the Constitutional Bill as the party resorts to all manner of tricks to delay the impending harmonised elections.

This followed Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga's deferment of debate on the Bill to today contrary to what was agreed at the management committee meeting on Monday evening, in the wake of a similar accord by the principals.

MDC-T secretary general Mr Tendai Biti, who is finance minister in the inclusive Government, was heard telling his Zanu-PF counterparts on the benches that his party wanted to frustrate the prospect of a June 29 poll.

"We do not want to go ahead because you guys (Zanu-PF) are trying to push us to June 29," Mr Biti said.

In terms of the Constitution, harmonised elections are due on or before midnight 29 June when the life of the Seventh Parliament ends.

Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa castigated the MDC-T for employing delaying tactics out of fear of elections.

He said Minister Matinenga defied the resolution of the Constitution management committee meeting that met on Monday evening.

Chinamasa said deferment of the debate was part of the MDC-T's delaying tactics because they were afraid of the elections.

Copac co-chairperson Mr Edward Mkhosi of the MDC who sits in the management committee said he was surprised when Minister Matinenga deferred the debate.

Biti, who initially steered the Bill before Minister Matinenga came, requested the House to suspend all the other Parliamentary business for debate on the Bill.

He also moved a motion suspending automatic adjournment of the House at 1855 hours yesterday to allow legislators to debate the Bill.

These suspensions are usually requested when there is important and urgent business which needs to be expeditiously concluded.

When Matinenga introduced the Bill he then requested deferment of debate arguing that legislators needed more time to study the Bill.

Zanu-PF leadership among them Vice President Joice Mujuru, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister Chinamasa and party chief whip Jorum Gumbo protested Minister Matinenga's motion.

But fighting from Minister Matinenga's corner was Minister Biti, while Regional Integration and International Cooperation Minister Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga was also consulted by Chinamasa.