The MDC Alliance strongly condemns the recently announced Principles for the Amendment of the Constitution on Proportional Representation in Local Authorities presented to Cabinet by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works.
In terms of the proposed amendment, there will be a 30% quota for women in local authorities through a system of proportional representation.
The MDC Alliance Mdc Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa ‘caught pants down’ takes the firm view that the proposed quota shortchanges women who are entitled to 50% representation in all areas of government under the Constitution. In addition, the Constitution provides for devolution of power to local authorities.
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The government should implement this provision so that women in local government can exercise autonomous power in the best interests of the communities they represent.
The participation of women in local authorities will not be enhanced if an unconstitutional quota system is implemented in an environment where the power of local authorities is usurped by central government interference.
We call upon the State to urgently reform the law governing local authorities to ensure that they are aligned to the Constitution.
We remain committed to implementing the existing constitutional dictates of gender parity in our party.
We further reiterate our demand for alignment to as opposed to the amendment of the Constitution.
Sesel Zvidzai
Secretary for Local Government
