HARARE - As the last thrust of the efforts to make a new Constitution, Zimbabwe's transitional government is starting to gather public opinion from across the country today. “It must be underscored that the writing of a new constitution is not restricted to the three political parties,” said Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga at an inaugural ceremony of a new Constitution’s public consultation process. “The GPA (global political agreement) makes it clear that it is a fundamental right and duty of all Zimbabweans to make the constitution for us. The terms of Article VI recognise that though only three political parties signed the GPA, constitution making is reposed in all of us. This is the most important step of the Constitution-making process, because it will lead us to know what the ordinary people’s views and recommendations about the coming new Constitution.”
Zimbabweans have keenly approved the writing of a new Constitution and many see it as a chance to push ahead with reconstruction after a decade of economic meltdown and political strife. A new charter, replacing one inked in 1979 before independence from Britain, will hopefully strengthen the role of parliament and curtail the president’s powers, as well as guaranteeing civil, political and media freedoms. Select teams were deployed countrywide this week. For the next 65 days they will solicit views and ideas that will form the basis for the new Constitution.
This crucial process is expected to lead to the adoption of a new national Constitution and fresh elections next year. Observers say the public consultation was a monumental step forward and a necessary milestone for moving ahead. There is much riding on this constitutional process and it is important that ordinary Zimbabweans feel that they have a voice.
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