Logistical challenges encountered during the first week have now been overcome, with all teams registering progress during the consultation meetings. Fuel is now available, and accommodation for all teams has now been secured. Outstanding hotel bills have since been settled. The environment for meetings has been reported by all teams as conducive.
Statistics received to date have indicated a low turnout for youths at meetings. While the figures for women are not bad, they need to be encouraged to participate more. The highest figures received so far have been that of men. In Mashonaland West, for example, 8588 men, 5825 women, 2274 youths and 50 people with special needs have so far participated at meetings since the beginning of Outreach.
The table below outlines the attendance figures for the Outreach programme for the period 23 June to 3 July, 2010.
Contrary to what has been reported in the media, COPAC remains fully committed to the engagement of civil society in this programme. To demonstrate its commitment to dialogue, COPAC held a well attended meeting with leaders of Civil Society in the Senate Chambers at Parliament building. The aim of the meeting was to achieve a smoother working relationship between COPAC and Civil Society.
The meeting was very fruitful and addressed the concerns of both Civil Society and COPAC regarding the carrying out of the monitoring exercise. In summary, Civil Society was worried about the negative statements which were appearing in the press regarding the work in this vital process.
They were also worried about the safety of their personnel as well as their ability to discharge their duties without fear of harassment. On the other hand COPAC demanded that mechanisms be put in place to enable both parties to identify genuine monitors from bogus ones.
It was stated that certain elements bent on destabilizing the process were masquerading as monitors from civil society. These people had apparently produced fake talking points.
After frank discussions, it was agreed that:-
* Civil Society was free to deploy observers to observe the Constitution making process. All personnel on the ground would co-operate as much as possible with these observers. The total number deployed would be made known to COPSAC.
All observers would be issued with accreditation cards to identify them as such in the event of enquiry.
*A comprehensive code of conduct to govern the conduct and ethics of the observers was drafted and agreed upon. Every monitor would sign this code of conduct.
*Civil society is free to approach COPAC leadership on areas of concern.
To that end, COPAC has made a standing resolution that it would hold weekly briefings with Civil society, including human rights and religious organisations. The other political parties not represented in Parliament would also be invited to these weekly briefings at Senate Chambers.
Post published in: News