the senate of zimbabwe rhodesia had 40 members. ten members each were returned by the old voter roll members of the house of assembly and the common roll members, and five members each by the council of chiefs of mashonaland and matabeleland. the remaining members were directly appointed by the president under the advice of the prime minister. while the house of assembly had changed greatly to be nearly in line with modern ideals of universal suffrage, the senate remained dominated by the former political stalwarts, effectively allowing a check on the new house.