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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has landed the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) presidency since its inaugural session in 2004 after Chief Fortune Charumbira was elected unopposed at the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Fifth Parliament of the organisation in Midrand, South Africa yesterday.

Chief Charumbira, who is also the president of the Chiefs Council in Zimbabwe, garnered 161 votes out of 203 votes cast. A total of 31 abstained and 11 were spoilt votes. He takes over from Hon Bouras Djamel of Algeria.

Chief Charumbira needed to secure 50 percent plus one vote to get confirmation.

The other two aspiring candidates, Yeremiah Chihana from Malawi and South Sudan’s Albino Aboug failed to secure nominations.

Albino Aboug

Seke Chikomba legislator, Tatenda Mavetera, was on Tuesday sworn in as a PAP Member of Parliament, replacing, Barbara Rwodzi.

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) was set up to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent.

It is intended as a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent.

Rather than being elected directly by the people, PAP members are designated by the legislatures of their Member States and members of their domestic legislatures.

The ultimate aim is for the Parliament to be an institution with full legislative powers, whose members are elected by universal suffrage.

Until such time, the PAP has consultative, advisory and budgetary oversight powers within the African Union.

Ahead of the election, Chief Charumbira said once in office, he would adopt a five-point plan namely; to strengthen the institutional capacity of PAP as a support body of the African Union ensuring accountability, transparency and prudent use of finances and resources, ensure that PAP has adequate financial resources with an enhanced funding architecture in order to meet all budget programme for all committees and plenary sessions to conduct business fully according to the set strategic and action plans, among others.

Chief Fortune Charumbira

Chief Charumbira also promised to initiate robust Parliament programmes and policies on youth empowerment, gender equality and inclusivity in order to also enhance poverty eradication in line with AU Agenda 2063 and sustainable development goals.

Objectives and functions of the PAP are to facilitate and oversee implementation of AU policies, objectives and programmes, promote human rights and consolidate democratic institutions and culture, good governance transparency and the rule of law by all AU organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States.