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National Security Council Bill, 2009
February 10, 2009

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MEMORANDUM

Following upon the agreement (referred to in this Memorandum and Bill as the “Interparty Political Agreement”) between the Presidents of ZANU-PF and the two formations of the MDC, signed on the 15th September, 2008, this Bill seeks to establish the National Security Council on s statutory basis, and to allocate certain seats on the Council between the parties. In more detail the Bill provides as follows:

Clause 1
This clause sets out the Bill’s short title.

Clause 2
This clause 2 defines terms that are used throughout the Bill.

Clause 3
This clause formally establishes the National Security Council, composed of the President as chairperson, the two Vice-Presidents, the Prime Minister, the two Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers responsible for finance, the Defence Forces and the Police Force, and one Minister nominated by each by each of the three political parties who are signatories to the Interparty Political Agreement. In addition to these Cabinet members the Council includes other members such as the Commander of the Defence Forces, the Commanders of the Army and Air Force, Commissioner-General of Police and the Commissioner of Prisons.

Clause 4
This clause sets out the functions of the National Security Council. Broadly speaking, the Council will be responsible for reviewing national policies on security, defence, law and order and recommending or directing appropriate action.

Clause 5
The frequency with which the Council will meet and the procedure to be followed at its meetings are set out in this clause. Subclause (3) will empower the Council to appoint committees to assist it in exercising its functions.

Clause 6
Under this clause, vacancies on the Council or any committee of the Council will not invalidate its decisions.

Clause 7
This clause provides that this Bill, if enacted, overrides other enactments to the extent of any inconsistency with it.

Clause 8
This clause provides that the life of this Bill, if enacted, will be coterminous with the Interparty Political Agreement.

BILL

To provide for the establishment of the National Security Council provide for its functions and meetings; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

ENACTED by the President and the Parliament of Zimbabwe.

1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the National Security Council Act, 2009.

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