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The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has raised alarm over a growing trend of government departments withdrawing Bills at the last minute — often after Parliament has already spent time and resources preparing for debate.
In a letter dated 30 October 2025, UDM Chief Whip Nqabayomzi Kwankwa asked the Speaker of the National Assembly to urgently review the rules governing how Bills are introduced and withdrawn. The letter follows frustrations aired at a Programming Committee meeting earlier that day.
Official Response
The UDM has proposed six clear interventions, including:
- Advance notice periods for Bill withdrawals
- Written justification and cost breakdowns from departments
- Cost-recovery measures when Parliament loses money
- Guidelines to stop the “flooding” of Bills at the end of parliamentary terms
- A 10-year report detailing how many Bills have lapsed or been withdrawn
“Parliament becomes reactive to Executive indecision, rather than a co-equal branch of government,” said Mr Kwankwa.
Community Impact
The party argues these withdrawals waste money, weaken accountability, and disrupt Parliament’s legislative programme — all at the public’s expense.
MPs, legal advisers and civil society are often blindsided, Kwankwa wrote, with no explanation given after months of stakeholder engagement and planning.
“We believe these changes will safeguard public resources and restore the dignity of the legislative process,” the letter concludes.
Key Points at a Glance
- UDM calls for stricter rules on Bill withdrawals
- Urges Parliament to demand accountability from departments
- Six proposals submitted to Speaker Thoko Didiza
- Request for review to go before the Rules Committee
- Party cites “financial loss and planning chaos” as major risks
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