MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE-A group of Zimbabwean citizens led by veteran activist, Farai Maguwu have approached the Constitutional Court, seeking an order that compels Parliament to reconvene the disrupted Public Voluntary Organization (PVO) amendment bill hearings.
The applicants, including Maguwu, Passmore Fuza, Ephraim Mutombeni, Jonah Wakurawarerwa, Donald Chitanha, and Brisky Fanuel Ncube, argue that Parliament has contravened Section 141 of the Constitution, which provides for public access and public hearings regarding bills.
In their court application, the six appellants assert that Parliament has failed to put in place adequate safety measures to ensure a safe and enabling environment for the public hearings.
They claim that Parliament abdicated its constitutional duty to facilitate public involvement in the legislative process and to consult interested parties about bills under consideration.
“The constitution of Zimbabwe mandates the respondent (Parliament) to facilitate public involvement in it’s legislative and other processes and to ensure that interested parties are constituted about bills being considered by it.
“As Zimbabwean citizen who is a voter, I have the right to be involved in the legislative process of the respondent as well as to be consulted about bills being considered by the applicant,” said Maguwu, director of Center for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG)
Maguwu also asserts that he has a direct interest in the PVO amendment bill, as the civic society is set to be significantly affected by the bill in its current form.
The appellants, represented by Bhatasara Attorneys, argue that they have the right under Section 67 of the Constitution to participate in and influence decision-making on policies and laws.
Furthermore, the appellants allege that Parliament has breached their freedom of expression, as provided for under Section 61 of the Constitution.
They stated that during the public hearings “the respondent failed to ensure that measures are in place which are fair, reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society based on openess, justice, human diginity, equality and freedom”.
Fuza, Mutombeni, Wakurawarerwa, Chitanha and Ncube chronicled the incidents where suspected Zanu PF supporters disrupted the public hearings in Harare, Masvingo, Chinhoyi and Gweru.
In Gweru, one of the women was attacked by a suspected Zanu PF mob wielding machetes as the hearing turned violent.
