Describe the law-making process in Zimbabwe (25marks)?

Answer 1

The law-making process in Zimbabwe is as follows:

1. Drafting: A bill is usually drafted by either a government department or a member of parliament. The bill sets out the proposed law and its objectives, and may also contain provisions for enforcement, penalties, and administration.

2. Introduction: The bill is then introduced into the Parliament of Zimbabwe, either by the Minister or the Member of Parliament who drafted it. The introduction is typically a formality where the title of the bill is announced, and no debate takes place.

3. First Reading: The bill is then read for the first time, and the title is announced. This stage is also a formality, and no debate or discussion takes place.

4. Second Reading: The bill is then debated in Parliament, and amendments may be proposed. This is where the substantive debate on the bill takes place, and members of parliament can express their views on the proposed law. The Minister or MP who introduced the bill will present its key provisions, and other members of Parliament will have an opportunity to speak in favor of or against the bill. Members of Parliament can propose amendments to the bill at this stage, and these amendments will be voted on later in the process.

5. Committee Stage: The bill is then referred to a relevant committee, where detailed scrutiny takes place. The committee may take evidence and propose amendments. This is where the bill is examined in detail, and the committee may hold public hearings to gather evidence and opinions on the bill. The committee will review the bill clause by clause and may propose amendments. The committee's recommendations are then reported back to Parliament.

6. Report Stage: The committee reports back to the Parliament, where the bill is further debated and amendments may be proposed. The committee's report is presented to Parliament, and MPs have an opportunity to debate the report and propose further amendments to the bill.

7. Third Reading: The bill is then read for the third time, and a vote is taken. This is the final stage of the parliamentary process, and the bill is voted on as a whole. If the bill is passed, it is sent to the President for assent.

8. Presidential Assent: If the bill is passed by Parliament, it is then sent to the President for assent. The President may either assent or withhold assent. If the President assents to the bill, it becomes law.

9. Publication: Once the bill is assented to, it is then published in the official gazette and becomes law. This is the point at which the law comes into effect.

It is important to note that the exact procedures for law-making in Zimbabwe may vary depending on the type of bill and other factors. However, the process described above is the general framework for how laws are made in Zimbabwe.