In a significant move aimed at strengthening Parliamentary discipline and debate, Zimbabwe’s Chief Whips received a collection of literature on the whipping system from the United Kingdom during a handover ceremony at the Parliament building in Mt. Hampden.
The event, attended by Chief Whips from both Zanu PF and Citizens Coalition for Change marked a step toward refining Zimbabwe’s legislative processes through international collaboration.
Zanu PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted the importance of understanding the origins and evolution of the whipping system.
“We want to know whether we’re scratching on the surface or if we have deviated too much from the original whipping system. We requested some literature so that it can help us understand where we’re coming from. Media has also written negatively about our whipping system, and I always say to myself that I need to know because we get instructions from our political parties on ideas of whipping.” said Togarepi
He highlighted that the literature would serve as a crucial reference for current and future Chief Whips, ensuring they are well-versed in the system’s historical and practical aspects.
“As we read this literature with my colleagues, and as future Chief Whips read it, it will enrich our activities in Parliament and Senate. We also follow debates in the House of Commons and observe what their Chief Whips do and the end results. Now, with this literature, we are in a better position to put it to good use in the Parliament of Zimbabwe Library,” he added.
British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Pete Vowles, underscored the significance of the exchange, describing it as a symbol of cooperation between the two institutions.
“It was a good opportunity to meet with Chief Whips from both political parties and hand over the documentation about the whipping system in the United Kingdom. More importantly, this is a symbol of our two institutions collaborating and sharing information with each other to improve ideas in debates.” Ambassador Vowles said
The whipping system, a crucial parliamentary practice, ensures party discipline by directing members on how to vote on key legislative matters.
By incorporating insights from the UK’s system, Zimbabwean lawmakers aim to refine their own processes, fostering more structured and effective parliamentary debates.
Togarepi also highlighted the importance of fostering greater interaction among Members of Parliament (MPs) to enhance debate quality.
“We’re very excited because this exchange allows us to interact with our members through these synergies. Our MPs are coming up with good debates, and we encourage more interactions with them through their different committees,” he said.
The literature is set to be housed in the Parliament of Zimbabwe Library, where legislators can access it for reference.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the professionalization of parliamentary affairs and improve legislative decision-making in the country.
