Parliament postpones debate on Nkayi ZEC report

Debate on a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) report concerning Ward 16 of Nkayi Rural District Council was postponed in the National Assembly after legislators complained that they had not been provided with the relevant documents in time.

The report relates to by-elections held on 13 September 2025 across several local authorities, including Nkayi RDC in Matabeleland North.

During Tuesday's sitting, MPs raised concerns over delays in the circulation of parliamentary reports and Order Papers, arguing that it was difficult to properly debate matters they had not yet reviewed.

MP Ellen Shiriyedenga questioned how legislators were expected to engage meaningfully with reports that had not been formally distributed for scrutiny.

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda acknowledged the concerns and urged improved coordination between parliamentary administration and party chief whips to ensure timely access to documentation.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi subsequently moved for the debate to be adjourned, allowing MPs additional time to study the report before discussion resumes.

The postponement has highlighted broader concerns about parliamentary workflow, particularly delays in the distribution of materials and the management of legislative questions.

Speaker Mudenda also disclosed that Parliament is currently dealing with 147 outstanding written questions awaiting responses from government ministers, underscoring ongoing challenges in legislative oversight and executive accountability.

The Nkayi RDC by-election report is expected to return to the House once legislators have had sufficient time to review the ZEC findings.