By Tafanana Kwedu
Government has with immediate effect withdrawn diplomatic passports for MDC-Alliance legislators recently recalled from parliament, the Harare Post has learnt.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended the facility for all Members of Parliament to hold diplomatic passports in September 2019.
The first victim, Chalton Hwende, former Kuwadzana Member of Parliament was advised of the development by Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda on 31 August.
“Following your recall from Parliament in accordance with Section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, you are therefore kindly requested to submit your diplomatic passport to the Registrar-General’s office and retrieve your ordinary passport in accordance with the attendant conditions attached during the issuance of the document.
“You may recall conditions for using the document was linked to your tenure of the current Parliament inclusive of your being a serving member of Parliament of Zimbabwe,” read part of the letter.
The move by Parliament has to date affected more than 20 MDC Alliance legislators who have been recalled by MDC-T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe.
Those affected include Prosper Mutseyami (Dangamvura), Thabitha Khumalo (proportional representation), Senator Lillian Timveos (Midlands), Amos Chibaya (Mkoba), Murisi Zwizwai (Harare Central) and Happymore Chidziva (Highfield West).
Observers say the withdrawal of the passports was in line with the conditions on which the same were issued.
“There is no politics at play here as some may be tempted to conclude; Parliament is just implementing its statutes, a sign that there is rule of law in Zimbabwe. It’s unfortunate that most of the affected MPs have serious anti-government traits and sentiments, that lack diplomacy,” said a political analyst, Patience Rashai.
Of late Nelson Chamisa’s MDC Alliance has been battered by serious intra-party brewed challenges such as lack of strategy, leadership squabbles and insolvency. These have left the party with bruises and dip cuts which analysts believe won’t heal soon.
