Zim MPs will be forced to declare assets

ZIMBABWEAN law-makers (MPs) will be compelled to declare their assets as part of efforts to curb corruption, Speaker, Jacob Mudenda has said.

"It is, therefore, my expectation, and commitment that during the First Session of this Parliament that mechanisms will be expeditiously finalised and put in place to compel Honourable Members of Parliament to declare their assets. Only through that self transparency, will we deserve and live to that epithet. This will send a clear message that this Parliament will not condone any form of corruption," Mudenda said.

"After all, both the Constitution and Standing Orders oblige all of us as public officers to do so practically and not by lip service."

A seat in Parliament is now seen as a meal ticket with most MPs grabbing every available opportunity to make money. With this Parliament dominated by Zanu PF MPs few expect the declaring of assets to have any positive impact on corruption.

Parliament will soon introduce a Presidential question and answer session. Clerk of Parliament Mr Austin Zvoma said they were working on new Standing Orders governing Parliament, one of which entailed modalities in which the President would respond to questions in line with provisions of the new Constitution.

Mr Zvoma was responding to questions from legislators during an induction workshop for legislators. Senator Agnes Sibanda (MDC-T) had asked if it was possible to have the President come and respond to questions legislators might have.

Sen Sibanda said in other countries, legislators have the opportunity to interface with the President.

Her question also came in the wake of concerns raised by backbenchers and past presiding officers over the failure by some Government ministers to come and answer questions during the weekly Wednesday question time.

In response, Mr Zvoma said the new Constitution actually provided for the President to come and answer questions from backbenchers.

"Presidential Question Time - it is there in the Constitution. There is a provision now that Parliament may have Presidential Question Time. We are beginning to implement some of the new provisions in the Constitution.

"This is an opportunity. It has to be structured in a way that it serves the purpose," he said.
The provision is in terms Section 140 (3)of the Constitution that deals with Presidential Addresses and Messages to Parliament which reads, "The President may attend Parliament to answer questions on any issue as may be provided in Standing Orders."

Presiding officers have in the past implored Government ministers to attend the question and answer session to respond to questions from backbenchers.