Own Correspondent | Democracy is under siege as the stalemate over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitimacy continues, with new Standing Order Rules which will rein in and force the MDC Alliance MPs to recognise and “respect the president” being proposed.

The new rules if adopted are likely to force the MDC Alliance which is slowly being rendered ineffective to consider altogether pulling out of Parliament or accept Mnangagwa’s legitimacy.

The MDC Alliance has in the past argued that its continued presence in Parliament is to defend its democratic space, citing its oversight role on the government through hearings and inquiries.

The new rules also mean the MPs will no longer chant slogans or sing revolutionary songs, only the national anthem will be sung in the August House.

This continued bickering between the MDC Alliance and their Zanu PF counterparts in the Parliament over Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, is leading to a stalemate, that is slowly rendering the August House useless.

MDC Alliance chief whip Senator Lilian Timveos, raised alarm, “we are in hot soup”, as she published the New Standing Order 86 “Respect of the President.”

The Standing Order states that, Members shall observe utmost dignity and decorum during the President’s address and also that a Member shall not disrupt or interrupt the President’s address through disorderly conduct.

Standing Order 76 “Members in the House” meaning Parliament’ It is proposed that an amendment be made to standing Order 76(1) by the insertion of a new paragraph (e) which shall read― (e) not sing except when required to sing the National Anthem.

A bewildered Timveos asks on social media, “Sing national anthem only ?”