BY NOTHANDO DUBE
Debate on a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) report involving Ward 16 of Nkayi Rural District Council was postponed in Parliament after legislators complained they had not received the documents in time.
The report relates to by-elections held on 13 September 2025 in several local authorities, including Nkayi RDC in Matabeleland North.
The issue sparked heated exchanges in the National Assembly on Tuesday as MPs questioned delays in distributing parliamentary reports and Order Papers.
Ellen Shiriyedenga complained that legislators were expected to debate reports they had not seen.
“I am not sure how we are going to debate these reports, which we have not yet signed off,” the MP said.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda acknowledged concerns over circulation of documents and directed parliamentary officials and chief whips to improve coordination so MPs receive reports earlier.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi eventually moved for the debate to be adjourned to allow MPs more time to study the reports.
The developments highlight ongoing concerns over parliamentary transparency and preparedness, particularly on matters affecting local governance and elections.
For communities in Nkayi, the by-election report is important because it relates to representation and administration at local authority level. Rural district councils play a major role in service delivery, road maintenance, water access and community development projects.
The debate also exposed wider frustrations among MPs over delays in processing parliamentary business.
Corban Madzivanyika raised separate concerns over Questions With Notice, saying some submissions were delayed or altered before appearing on the Order Paper.
Speaker Mudenda revealed that Parliament currently had 147 outstanding written questions awaiting responses from ministers.
The postponement means debate on the Nkayi RDC by-election report is expected to resume once legislators have fully reviewed the ZEC documents.