Full text of Mudenda statement on MDC-T dispute

The following is a press statement issued by the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda on the separate notification by the MDC-T’s Thokozani Khupe and Tendai Biti on the alleged suspensions/expulsions of members and threat to re-call their MP’s. 

By Jacob Mudenda

The Honourable Speaker Received Separate Letters from Honourable Biti and Honourable Khupe Dated 28 April 2014 and 2 May 2014 Respectively on Internal Differences Within the Movement for Democratic Change (Mdc-T) Party.

Both Honourable Biti and Honourable Khupe Sought to Inform the Speaker of the National Assembly of Separate Suspensions and Counter Suspensions and Expulsions of Members of the Mdc-T, Some of Whom Are Not Members of Parliament, and Who Ought to Be the Responsible Authority for Re-Calling Members of Their Party from Parliament in Terms of Section 129 (1) (K) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The Media Has Been Relentlessly Misquoting the Speaker That He Promised to Make a Ruling, Even Giving a Deadline of Thursday 8 May 2014. No Such Ruling Arises but Only a Decision.

As the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, I Have Studied the Contents of the Two Similar Letters Addressed to Me on the Dates Aforesaid.

I Have Concluded That the Letters Contain No Legal Issues That Require the Honourable President of the Senate or the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly to Determine or Rule on Whether or Not to Act Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 129 (1) (K) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

In Any Case, Neither the Honourable President of the Senate nor the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly Has Any Authority and Role to Play in the Internal Disciplinary Actions, Disputes or Differences Within Political Parties, Which Matters May Be Appropriately Dealt With by a Competent Court.

I Have, Accordingly Responded to the Two Letters from the Honourable Biti and the Honourable Khupe Informing Them Accordingly.

HON. ADVOCATE J.F. MUDENDA SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY