Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged parliament on Wednesday to hasten completion of the legislative agenda before it, as, for example, the Electoral Amendment Bill, contains new provisions needed for the holding of general elections next year.
Opening the final session of the current Parliament, he noted nearly 30 Bills, including some carried over from the previous session, will be tabled in the legislature.
“The session comes ahead of the 2023 harmonised general elections. Parliament is, therefore, expected to accelerate the completion of the matters on the legislative agenda in line with the expectations of the electorate,” he said.
“The Electoral (Amendment) Bill, which spells out new provisions for holding the 2023 Harmonised Elections, should be speedily concluded.”
In the Finance sector, President Mnangagwa said the Insurance Bill which seeks to replace the Insurance Act to address regulatory gaps and weaknesses, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (Compliance, Monitoring and Evaluation) Regulations, 2022 as well as amendments to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2018 would be tabled.
The new session, he said, must also expedite passage of the Labour Amendment Bill.
“In line with the Agriculture Food Systems and Transformation Strategy, amendments to the Plant Breeders Act, the Animal Health Act, the Water Act, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act, the Land Commission Act, and the Bees Act will be tabled.
“Equally, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, the Agricultural Resources Conservation Bill, and the Agricultural Education Bill will enhance the attainment of food and nutrition security. In addition, the Sugar Act is being reviewed in order to classify sugarcane as a strategic crop. The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill now awaits gazetting. Farming and mining activities will be accorded due recognition in the resolution of disputes. The Bill will also strengthen environmental protection,” he said.
“The fifth session must speedily consider legislation towards alignment of the Devolution and Decentralisation Programme of the Second Republic, through amendments of the Provincial Councils and Administration Act, the Rural District Council’s Act, as well as the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act. The Disaster Risk Management Bill will promote the involvement of all citizens in effective disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery measures.”
President Mnangagwa said the government shall also be seeking Parliamentary ratification of various Memoranda of Understanding regarding partnerships to promote ICT infrastructure and skills development while amendments to strengthen the country’s criminal code will also be tabled.
“Through the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill, the government seeks to establish a legal framework that facilitates fair, accessible, responsible and sustainable online transacting, including the recognition of digital signatures. The Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) (Amendment) Bill, 2022, the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Whistle Blowers) Bill, 23-2022, the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 2022, the Witness Protection Bill, the Zimbabwe Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, and the Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill must all be tabled during this Session,” he said.
“Outstanding Bills from the fourth session of the ninth Parliament must be expedited. These include the Child Justice Bill, the Judicial Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Prisons and Correctional Service (Amendment) Bill.” – New Ziana
