Keys
to being a successful MP As important as the technical detail
included in these modules is for the MPs, the information means
little if MPs are not effective in their dealings with the constituents,
staff, other MPs, the media and their families. In 2003, the Deputy
Clerk Patrick Gichohi of the Kenya Parliament drafted a guide
designed to help MPs in these very practical areas. Mr Gichohi
presented a summary of the booklet in the two polite SADC PF seminars
in 2003.His sessions proved to be very popular, and much of what
follows is excerpted from his booklet.
Hon
Bhuka giving opening remarks at the Directors and Parliamentary
meeting at the Senate Chambers
The
keys to being a successful MP are:
Honour
the Parliament as an institution.
Know
the standing orders
Adhere
to the code of ethics
Get
legislative help
Engage
the media
Manage
your time
Know
when to take the microphone
Be
part of the solution
Don't
burn bridges
Be
gender sensitive
Vote
your conscience
Stay
in touch with constituents
Download
the full text in word
or pdf format
and respond to the discussion questions at the end of the document.
Send your responses to wipsu@wipsu.co.zw
Job
Description - Member of Parliament
Job
Title
Honourable
Member of Parliament (MP)
Reporting
To
The
People of Zimbabwe
Responsibilities
Responsible
for ensuring that the policy and legislative process is conducted
in a manner that upholds justice and fairness for all people
in Zimbabwe, representing the people of Zimbabwe and of one's
constituency as well ensuring transparency and accountability
in the conduct of government business.
Main
duties
•
Representing the people of one's constituency, both women
and men, in deliberations and discussions of Parliament
•
Raising and highlighting issues of national concern and
those of disadvantaged communities that require action by
Parliament
•
Making and reforming laws and policies for the peace, order
and good governance of Zimbabwe
•
Ensuring transparency and accountability of government business
through the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees
•
Monitoring fulfillment of government's commitments at international
and regional levels
•
Discussing and approving the National Budget after consultation
with the constituency and stakeholders and monitoring its
implementation
•
Monitoring government's implementation of national programmmes,
projects and policies
•
Linking one's constituency with resources and expertise
to implement sustainable projects of benefit to the entire
community
Job
qualifications
•
Be a Zimbabwean citizen
•
Be a registered voter, who has attained the age of 21 years
•
Have been ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe for a period not
less than five years during the past twenty years immediately
before his/her nomination.
•
Ability and commitment to the development of Zimbabwe is
a desired advantage.
