MDC calls for scrapping of bond note in proposed alternative to revive Zimbabwe’s economy

HON. DR. MASHAKADA: Thank you Hon. Speaker.  I hope the graphics that I want to refer to are being uploaded.

Mr. Speaker Sir, our country needs to move forward as a united country – however, in my opinion, I think we squandered the opportunity in November, 2017, to galvernise the country, to move the country forward.  We all know what happened in November and in my respectful view, this country should not have rushed into elections.  We were supposed to build confidence to make sure that the economy is stabilised at that stage and not just to stampede into an election.

Some people had suggested that perhaps a national transitional authority would have helped to carry on Economic Reforms, Political Reforms and Electoral Reforms – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-  I am addressing the issue of confidence in the economy, but we squandered this opportunity.  Yes, we marched together but after marching together, I still think we should have put in place some transitional mechanism to bridge the gap between the old dispensation and the new dispensation and effect the critical economic reforms which I will refer to in the body of my presentation.

Mr. Speaker Sir, it is my democratic right to air my views, any Hon. Member who has got a contrary view should take the floor if they have got the facts. We then went to the elections and it is common cause that the outcome of the election was highly contested, up to now the jury is still out regarding the outcome of these elections.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I am referring to confidence because after an election there should be euphoria, happiness, excitement, celebration – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – So that is the context in which I am referring to the contested elections and the post election period.  As I said, it is all about confidence and the legitimate expectations that will make an economy respond to the policy measures or the policy statements that are made by leaders.  You can pronounce so many policy statements, if the people do not believe in what you are saying, those will be blunted, they will not work.  I will demonstrate that in the body of my presentation.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I just want to run you through the pictures for us to understand the state of the economy.  I shall ask…

HON. CHINOTIMBA: On a point of order! – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! Now, I am a bit concerned about your pictures here in terms of their source and authenticity.

HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir.  I think it is important when we are having our proceedings for us to have an understanding of where a ruling is coming from.  So, the point of clarification where I am seeking clarification from the Chair is what Standing Order upon which the ruling by the Chair has been made, so that we can have an understanding and an appreciation of where we are going.  I was of the view that the Hon. Member could then be asked to clarify what the source – so that in the course of the debate, the Hon. Member can then explain to the House and to the nation at large as to how and where those pictures have come from so that we are all on the same wavelength.

However, the point of clarification; I want to be educated as to what rule the Chair has used in making the ruling that it has made.

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