You must declare your assets new MPs urged

Twenty-eight (28) newly elected legislators have been encouraged to declare their assets as is required by the country’s constitution.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe in Section 198(a) requires public officers to make regular disclosures of their assets.

According to legal experts, the move is meant to help curb issues of corruption among public officeholders.

Addressing the legislators recently the Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said the legislators have about 60 days to comply with the requirements.

He also urged other legislators to update their assets disclosures if they have acquired new assets from the time they disclosed.

‘’I have to inform the House that in terms of Section 198 of the Constitution as read together with Standing Order No. 51 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, Members are expected to declare their assets.

‘’This must be done within 60 days of taking Oath of Loyalty after a General Election. The declaration of financial interests is recorded in a register that is kept and maintained by the Clerk of Parliament,’’ he said.

Mudenda said there are two forms that are used for the process. He said failure to comply shall constitute contempt.

MPs were warned against false declaration of assets.

‘’There are two forms to be filled in – namely: form (a) which is public and form (b) which is confidential and strictly for use by Parliament. The forms may be filled in at the Counsel’s Office which is situated on the third floor in office number 305.

“Members are not permitted to leave with the forms they would have filled in as these must be submitted in the same office. Failure by a Member to declare his or her financial interests within 60 days of taking the Oath or presenting a false declaration shall constitute contempt.

‘’The 60 days within which Members are expected to declare their assets expires on 6th June 2022.

‘’Further to that, let me advise Members who have already filled in these forms that they must update them if they have acquired assets or disposed of assets since the date they filled their forms,’’ he said. -OpenParlyZw