The NCA said in a statement that a consultative meeting by the group on
Saturday decided not to take part in any Article 6' process and
resolved to totally reject' the government plans over a new
constitution. The meeting was chaired by the NCA's national
chairperson, Dr Lovemore Madhuku.
Article 6 of the Global Political Agreement stipulates that a
parliamentary select committee shall be set up, whose terms of
reference includes the setting up of subcommittees; chaired by a
member of Parliament and composed of members of Parliament and
representatives of Civil Society as may be necessary to assist the
Select Committee in performing its mandate herein'.
At the weekend Speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo, announced the
formation of a 25 member committee – drawn from the three political
parties – which will look into the drafting of a new constitution. He
told journalists: "I therefore, call upon all progressive forces to
join hands with us in ensuring that the process brings tangible results
that we can all be proud of. This historic inter-party political
agreement places the responsibility of leading the constitution making
process on the Parliament and more importantly, provides an opportunity
for the country to create a constitution by the people for the people."
He said a draft constitution should be tabled by February next year and
put to a referendum in July of the same year to allow the public to
have a final say, which will eventually lead to the running of free and
fair elections.
But the NCA rejected the process saying: Parliamentarians have no
right to write a constitution on behalf of the people. The NCA will
thus continue with its grassroots education campaign to push for a new,
democratic and people-driven constitution.
SWRadio Africa
Post published in: News