How Mugabe was given powers to appoint key judges with MDC kicking and screaming

My appeal is, while the opposition objects, I think it is true that there is a debate and it must be there but no one is saying the debate is not going to continue.  The Hon. Vice President is saying the debate will continue, but with due respect, Parliament has been attacking the Executive for not coming. Today they are here – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Mr. Speaker, the debate of the Budget Review is very important and by no way has anybody said it is not important.  I think it is about us being progressive so that we do not waste time.  Mr. Speaker, ultimately, you are sitting there with all powers invested in you.  As the Chair, the Standing Rules and Orders are very clear in terms of the position you must take.  As such, I implore you to make a decision so that progress can be made because this is a sheer waste of time.  Thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order.  This debate may continue ad infinitum.  The issue before us is that the first Order has not been concluded, it has merely been stood over and there will be ample time to debate it, which is very important – (An Hon. Member having been speaking whilst the Hon. Speaker was speaking) – I do not want to throw you out Hon. Member please. I respect you and you should respect the Chair.  We cannot debate ad infinitum on the question whether we should debate the adjournment or not.  So, it is my ruling that I shall put the question and there shall not be any further debate on the adjournment.

HON. GONESE: Divide the House – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order.

HON. GONESE: I challenge your ruling Mr. Speaker.  If I challenge your ruling, I am entitled…

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order.  We should not play gymnastics here.  You want the House to be divided? – [HON. MEMBERS:Yes.] – and the statistics is so clear that in terms of numbers – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – order, order.  I am saying that it is unnecessary to divide the House.  I will ask us therefore to proceed accordingly.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Wednesday, 26th July, 2017.

THIRD READING

CONSTITUTION OF ZIMBABWE AMENDMENT (NO. 1) BILL [H. B. 1, 2017]

Third Order read: Third Reading: Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.1) Bill [H.B. 1, 2017].

 THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. E.D. MNANGAGWA):  Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the Third Reading of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 1) Bill [H.B. 1, 2017] be read the third time.

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