Are ministers in office legally after dissolution of parliament?

Some Cabinet ministers during the December, 2017, swearing-in ceremony

There have been questions on whether ministers are continuing in their offices during the electoral period.

The public debate intensified after Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu held a press conference on July 31, warning the public and political parties against declaring election results before an official announcement by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

Ministers continue to hold office until a new presidential term is inaugurated

What does the law say about the role of ministers during elections?

According to section 108 of the Zimbabwe Constitution, the tenure of office of a minister or deputy minister becomes vacant upon the assumption of office by a new president. Sub-section( 4) further states that, in the event of the dissolution of parliament, ministers and deputy ministers continue to hold office until the president elect assumes office after a general election.

Factsheet prepared by ZimFact team

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