What are the successes and failures of Parliamentary Constituency Information Centres in communicating parliamentary information to Zimbabwe’s citizens?

Abstract

Among a number Parliament of Zimbabwe Reforms started in 1997 included the need to reform the information services that led to the establishment of Parliamentary Constituency Information Centres (PCICs) during the life of the Fifth Parliament from 2000 to 2005. PCICs were established to provide public access to parliamentary information and to act as a platform for public participation. In a study that evaluated the performance Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Constituency information Centres (PCICs), literature review focused on information theories, rights and needs among other issues. Methods used to collect data included questionnaires, interviews, observations, and analysis of relevant documents. Data indicated that although constituents are satisfied with information obtained from PCICs, there were concerns over information formats and currency; location and administration of PCICs; poor infrastructure; lack of capacity building; and political partisanship. This paper identifies some of these challenges and the contribution made by Zimbabwe’s PCICs in providing access to Parliamentary information.