Agency Gumbo, shadow minister for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), demands a redo of the public hearings on the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Bill.
The disruptions prevented citizens from fully participating in the legislative process, prompting the CCC to call for a redo.
Agency Gumbo emphasized the necessity of inclusive public participation in lawmaking after incidents of violence marred the hearings.
Furthermore, Gumbo stated the disruptions violated the constitutional right of citizens to engage in the lawmaking process.
“Public hearings are a constitutional process allowing citizens to shape the laws that govern them,” he said.
The PVO Bill aims to regulate the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and voluntary groups in Zimbabwe.
Critics argue it could severely restrict civil society and infringe on freedoms of association and expression.
Violent incidents disrupted the public hearings meant to gather feedback, raising concerns about their legitimacy.
“We are pushing for these public hearings on the PVO Bill to be redone,” Gumbo said.
“We must address the technicalities and resources of Parliament, but the lawmaking process supersedes resource constraints.”
Gumbo reiterated the importance of including citizens in the legislative process.
“For a law to be valid, it must involve parliamentarians, the government, the President, and the people.
“If people were not allowed to express their views due to disruptions, the process must be redone,” added Gumbo.
CCC insists that citizens’ voices must play a crucial role in the lawmaking process, highlighting their dedication to democracy.
