BULAWAYO Zimbabweans do not have confidence in the current constitutional reform process, according to a survey by Bulawayo-based Radio Dialogue. (Pictured: COPAC members meeting in Harare Survey says citizens do not have confidence in constitution
In a report that Radio Dialogue and presented to the Constitutional Parliamentary Committee (COPAC) in Bulawayo last week, the radio said members of the public had no faith in the constitution-making process as this process was taking place almost immediately after a serious political and socio-economic crisis. The levels that political polarisation had reached in this country before the formation of the inclusive government were such that it was almost impossible for the majority of Zimbabweans to work together on anything without some counter-political under current at play. Due to this polarisation, there is a lot of mistrust and complete lack of confidence in Zimbabweans by other Zimbabweans, both at personal and Government level, the reports read in part.
Radio Dialogue conducted a series of 58 focus group meetings, 13 road shows, one live broadcast meeting in 20 high density suburbs of Bulawayo and one youth conference in the city centre to come up with the report. It sad in the report at all the meetings residents raised what they consider key measures that must be implemented to restore political stability and democracy in the country with 73 percent of participants backing devolution of power. Other issues raised by residents, with percentage of residents support in brackets, include: Presidential term of office (59%), freedom of expression (57%), reduction of Presidential powers (45%), separation of powers (43%), Kariba draft constitution must not be used (39%), equal leadership opportunities for both men and women (30%) and adequate representation of youths (25%).
Social issues raised during the survey included free basic primary education (48%), respect for human rights (39%), free and or affordable health (39%), local languages being given equal recognition and regard (20%) and the respect for tradition and cultural values (16%). The survey also revealed that 89 percent of the general population of Bulawayo was not aware of the current constitution-making process currently underway while 60 percent are not aware of the provisions of the current Zimbabwe constitution.
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