A critical analysis of parliamentary control over delegated legislation in light of Zimbabwe’s 2019 fiscal and montary regulations

Abstract

The study seeks to clarify the nature of Parliamentary oversight over delegated legislation in light of Zimbabwe’s 2019 fiscal and monetary regulations and the significance thereof in preventing the executive from abusing its authority through arbitrary behavior and ensuring that policies are implemented in accordance with enacted laws passed by Parliament. Further and in light of the foregoing, the study also seeks to shed light on some the forms of Parliamentary oversight under the Zimbabwean constitutional system that are relevant to fiscal and monetary regulation. Practically and owing to the doctrine of separation of powers as contemplated by the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, the study also seeks to shed light on the necessity of Parliamentary control over the executive’s exercise of delegated legislative powers in order to guarantee that these powers are not abused to the detriment of citizens. Fundamentally, these forms of Parliamentary oversight lead to a number of objectives which are principally inclusive of holding the executive branch accountable, ensuring transparency and openness of executive activities and upholding of the rule of law. Where necessary the study also tries to draw attention to some international experiences on how oversight mechanisms have been designed in order to highlight lacunae and trying to remedy them. In conclusion, the study seeks to identify the challenges posed by the current forms of Parliamentary oversight while at the same time proposing legal and administrative recommendations to curb these challenges in order to bolster effectiveness of Parliamentary oversight.