Stop disrespecting Mugabe, MPs told

Jacob Mudenda Speaker of the National Assembly yesterday ruled that MPs should stop using language that shows "disrespect" to President Robert Mugabe when debating in Parliament.

Binga North MP Prince Dubeko Sibanda (MDC-T) in February argued that since Parliament had an oversight role over Mugabe's office, MPs can even ridicule him during contributions to debate.

But Mudenda, in his ruling, said Mugabe's name could not be used "willy-nilly" and in disrespect. He said it was impermissible to use Mugabe's name irrelevantly and for the purpose of influencing the House in deliberations.

He cited the British system where the use of the Queen's name in debate was unconstitutional and inconsistent with the independence of Parliament.