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Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation yesterday began live coverage of the National Assembly question and answer session on television, a move welcomed by legislators.
Two weeks ago, legislators called on ZBC to increase coverage of the legislative assembly’s events so that MPs are more accountable to their constituencies.
This followed a motion that was moved by Kuwadzana representative Mr Nelson Chamisa.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Cde Jacob Mudenda, made the announcement in the House yesterday.
“I am also told ZBC has resumed live broadcasts in the National Assembly every Wednesday starting today (yesterday) and I am hoping that in due course they will be able to cover live the whole parliament’s proceedings.
“This will enable members of the public to have transparency and accessibility to parliament,” he said.
Mr Chamisa welcomed the move by ZBC.
“It is a positive signal that authorities have responded to parliamentarians issues positively. Live coverage is not for MPs but for the people we represent.
“Quality democracy demands that the people participate in parliamentary processes. This development is in line with our Constitution and it guarantees accountability and openness,” Mr Chamisa said.
Bubi representative, Cde Clifford Sibanda, added that the development would enlighten the public on parliamentary processes.
“Parliament is about educating the people on the legislative agenda of the nation.
“It should not be seen as something that is closed to the public because they are the ones who make parliament. This is going to expose MPs to their constituencies and it should also be extended to all parliamentary activities including committees,” Mr Sibanda said.
Midlands’ representative, Cde Melody Dziva, said quality of debates would improve.
“This is a good thing that we welcome and hope that it is extended to cover all parliamentary proceedings. I also hope that as female MPs, we will also receive equal coverage to our male counterparts.
“This will improve quality of debate and ensure that the electorate is aware of what their representatives are doing,” she said.
Mashonaland West representative Ms Concilia Chinanzvavana echoed similar sentiments saying it was long overdue.
“This was long overdue, people have to follow what their representatives are doing and we hope they also cover our constituencies and what we are doing there,” she said.
ZBC’s SFM radio also started live broadcasts of the question and answer session last month.
Online Reporter