The Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review is likely to be held after the harmonised elections scheduled for August 23, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi said yesterday as Parliament adjourned to August 22 and will dissolve at midnight of that day.
Under the Public Finance Management Act, the Finance Minister must give “full and transparent accounts from time to time and not less than annually made to Parliament indicating the current and projected state of the economy, the public resources of Zimbabwe and the fiscal policy of the Government.”
The Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review has been traditionally been presented in July between budgets.
Minister Ziyambi said because of Parliament’s adjournment the review was likely to be presented to Parliament after the elections.
“As it stands the Mid-Term Fiscal Policy review will be held after the coming in of the new Parliament after the elections.
“Parliament adjourned to August 22 and will be dissolved at midnight of that day.
“In these circumstances, only the President can recall Parliament if he feels there are pressing issues, he needs Parliament to address. So, the review, as it stands, will be done after the elections,” he said.
The country’s ninth Parliament adjourned to August 22 two weeks ago to enable election campaigns by political parties and individuals taking part in the elections.
The elections will be held on Wednesday, August 23, breaking with tradition that has seen previous elections being held on a Saturday.
Parliament adjourned after passing five Bills within a month and these are the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, the Labour Amendment Bill, the Electricity Bill, the Prisons and Correctional Services Bill and the Children Amendment Bill.
The Bills now await the President’s consent before becoming law. – The Herald
