[part of a universally recognized right to choose a government at free, fair, lawful elections at regular intervals], and promised a referendum within 17 months of the birth of their new government instead.They have lost a year already of the ample time set to write a draft and have that ballot.
There are signs they would now like to renege on their promise – and renegotiate the time-frame just between themselves, perhaps make it indefinite. They cannot.
It is not THEIR right to have the referendum then. It is the right of citizens. And it is now guaranteed to each of us as part of the GPA by AU and SADC.
A Draft can be done in time. Zimbabwe can do as many SADC countries have done, and take 2 steps to write its final new Constitution. Only an Interim Constitution needs to be ready by their July deadline.
Referendum by July 13
If they want the GPA, they enact the 19th, and we hold them, SADC and AU to the date.
Litigation in the SADC Tribunal and other regional courts is possible, if needed.
Zimbabweans may get a new Constitution through the GPA if Mugabe signs both. If anyone wants the GPA, a referendum here by 13 July 2010 is a price they must pay.
Their next price is a general election shortly after the new Constitution as promised by the GPA Principals etc, obliging MPs and councilors to all face early fresh elections – rather than confining a popular vote to a Presidential run-off, run under existing law.
Post published in: News