(MISA/IFEX) – On 26 March 2001, the Broadcasting Services Bill was read for the first time in Parliament, “The Herald” reported. Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Patrick Chinamasa, who is also the leader of the house, apparently requested that the standing rules requiring the legal committee to look into bills for twenty-six days […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 26 March 2001, the Broadcasting Services Bill was read for the first time in Parliament, “The Herald” reported.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Patrick Chinamasa, who is also the leader of the house, apparently requested that the standing rules requiring the legal committee to look into bills for twenty-six days before reporting to parliament be waived in favour of giving the committee four days to report back. Movement for Democratic Change members of parliament (opposition) resisted the move but lost out when the speaker, Emmerson Mnangagwa, held a vote. The bill is a replica of the 2000 Broadcasting Regulations.
BACKGROUND:
The 2001 Broadcasting Services Bill is set to replace the broadcasting regulations that the government promulgated in October 2000, under the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act. The Parliamentary Legal Committee declared some sections of the regulations unconstitutional, but the house speaker dismissed the committee’s report on a technicality. Any regulation or statute brought under the Presidential Powers Act has a life span of six months, after which parliament either rectifies or dismisses it.
