18th amendment debate rages on

MDC (Tsvangirai) spokesman Nelson Chamisa, who had been pencilled to share the stage with Crisis Coalition chairman Arnold Tsunga, National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Lovemore Madhuku and political commentator John Makumbe, failed to attend – making the platform wholly available for civil society leaders to articulate their position. There was marked criticism over Chamisa’s “chickening out” by some members of the public who had hoped for the MDC to explain its position and answer questions.

The outspoken Madhuku, in characteristic manner, raised the stakes in the row between civic groups and the MDC over the latter’s support for the 18th Amendment Bill in parliament, which had been somewhat smoothed over.

“We are saying to the MDC please come back,” Madhuku emphasised. “You are the prodigal son like the one in the bible and had been lost but we welcome you back and we should work together as we have in the past. By supporting the piecemeal amendments to the constitution the MDC is basically helping Zanu (PF).”

The NCA leader also had words for MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai: “If Tsvangirai thinks he will become president by supporting the amendment or compromising with Zanu (PF) he wrong because state-sponsored violence is continuing and there are no guarantees that Zanu (PF) will implement the agreements being made at the talks. But I am saying to Tsvangirai let us fight together for a new constitution and measures that will change the value system in this country, and I am sure after that he will be president of this country next year.”

Tsunga attempted to draw parallels to the absorption and subsequent vanquishment of Joshua Nkomo’s Zapu when it capitulated and went into the 1987 unity accord, only to get sucked by Zanu (PF).
“The MDC faces a real danger of the same fate because, just as in the case of Zapu, the current deal is based on pressure to compromise more than on any foundation of principle,” he said.

“In that case, we risk the perpetuation of a value system characterised by impunity, violence, repression and abuse of human rights because the processes currently ongoing are not addressing these issues.”
Makumbe compared the compromises MDC is making with Zanu (PF) to the nature of a hyena.  “If someone rides on a hyena they must be aware that the moment they disembark, they can be eaten. Zanu (PF) can be compared to a hyena and in that case we can say the MDC has taken the step of riding on a hyena. It is like embracing a python,” he said. 

While MDC joined Zanu (PF) to ululate in parliament over the passing the 18th Amendment, many people are unlawfully being arrested and detained. WOZA members were recently arrested and the so-called no-go areas are still war zones. We also know that Zanu (PF) will rig the elections with the help of Israeli-spies, the Mossad.”

He called on  the MDC has to state publicly that it will not participate in next year’s elections if there not a new constitution.