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Empowering the People: Libraries and the Attainment of an Information Society in

Africa

ALA June 21-26, 2012Role of Zimbabwe's Parliamentary Constituency

Information Centres (PCICs) in providing information for democracy to citizens

By imunyoro@parliament.gov.zw

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Outline

Introduction BackgroundReforming Parliamentary Information

Services Defining PCICPCICs objectives Special considerations for PCICs

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Outline (contd)

Challenges Lessons from Zimbabwe’s PCICs Conclusion

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IntroductionThis paper explores Parliament of Zimbabwe (PoZ) information

services reforms that have been implemented in order to improve,

among other objectives, participation of citizens in Parliamentary

affairs, and access to Parliamentary information by

Parliamentarians and citizens. PCICs have brought Parliamentary

activities close to the people and at the same time empowering

them with Information generated from the Parliament as well as

within the constituency

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Background

Zimbabwe has a Bi-cameral Parliament Consists of the House of Assembly and the

Senate (Upper Chamber) which has been in existence from 1980 to 1989, dissolved and reintroduced in 2005

Information Services departments include library (founded in 1923), ICT, and Research and PR

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Photograph of Parliament of Zimbabwe building

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Reforming Parliamentary Information Services

Parliamentary Information Consultancy report by Dermont Englefield, May 1996

Dr J R Verrier (1997)'s consultancy report Parliamentary Reform Committee Reports

(PRC), produced in two volumes in 1997 and 1998.

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Defining PCIC

Differennt meanings in different countries and

different contexts Referred to as PCICs in Zimbabwe IPU (2009): A district based office that act as a key

contact office for electors with their representatives.

Can also be taken to mean a place where members of the constituency can:

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Defining PCIC (contd)

Find information about subjects interest to them Take part in learning activities Discuss & share information, knowledge & concerns

with extension officers, planners & administrators Meet to organise & work together on community

projects Practice recordings in local culture Enjoy local activites (COMLA Newsletter, No. 92 Feb.

1997, 6

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PCICs Objectives

Strengthen capacity of MPs to contribute effectively & meaningfully to parliamentary proceedings

Give Parliament a stronger and more systematic oversight role, with emphasis on promoting greater efficiency in the management & utilization of public resources

Provide a resource centre for Parliament-generated information

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PCICs Objectives (Cont...)

Enhance the participation of the public in the legislative process

Act as a co-ordination centres for constituency activities

Provide specific socio-economic data of the constituency

Provide a meeting place for the sitting MP and his/her constituents

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Special consideration for PCICs

Central location Informatics database Equipment Office Assistant Training Setting up a Library

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PoZ Data Base Support Officer, Mr. Maldonado. T. , demonstrating toCIDA consultant Dawn del Rio, Isabelle Eriksson of SIDA; Sam Langdonof CIDA; Agree Mhlanga, Ministry of Finance & Economic Development

and Gwanzura Zonde, PoZ

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Marondera PCIC: PA Etty Kachomba; Adonia Mahleka, PoZ ParliamentaryProgramme Coordinator and Joel Kolker of USAID in the MP’s office

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Nyanga PCIC: Setting of the Library building where the PCIC issituated with Parliament of Zimbabwe log being a common feature

at every PCIC.

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Mutare: MP G. Mutsekwa in the MP's office, furnished

with his own furniture

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General information on display inside Goromonzi PCIC

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Challenges

Getting politicians to focus on long term objectives is difficult

Effects of political, economic, social turmoil from late 1990s-2008

Resource constraints Skilled personnel Infrastructure – lack of clear model PCIC

office Need to ensure offices are non-partisan

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Lessons

Other countries in the region such as Botswana, SA, & Zambia followed suit

Empowering public with Parliamentary information Access to reliable, accurate and timely information Powerful tool for the PoZ to communicate & deliver

Parliamentary information to the public Tool for learning & capacity building for Parliaments Improve image of Parliament through public participation Adds to limited literature on the role of Parliament

Information Professionals in developing countries

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Conclusion

PCICs vital centres for public participation PoZ has made positive progress -

implementing & opening up Parliamentary business to public participation

Challenges Long term solution needed

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THANK YOU

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