Using President Robert Mugabe’s name to influence debates in Parliament will not be tolerated because it is inconsistent with the Standing orders of the House, Speaker Jacob Mudenda said last week.
Responding to a point of order raised by Binga North Legislator Prince Sibanda on whether Parliament has oversight over the Office of the President and whether reference to the use of the name of the President in the House goes against protecting the integrity and the name of the Office of the President, Mudenda ruled that the Office of the President is subject to oversight by Parliament.
He said reference to the name of the President in debate is allowed, provided that it is done fairly, respectful courteously to the High Office of the President.
“A reference to the name of the President of Zimbabwe in order to influence deliberations in the House or decisions is inconsistent with Standing Orders 93 (1) and will not be tolerated in view of the fact that the President is the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of Zimbabwe.”
Full ruling:
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