This is a monumental tragedy, maybe only second to dismal failure at succession planning. If they had accepted that liberation wars come and go but nations remain, they would have written a new constitution by now. Despite being in power for twice as long as they were in the bush, there is very little to show for it.
Welshman Ncube, former Secretary-General of the united MDC, an iconic lawyer and genuine professor, despite his shortcomings in 2005, which may have regrettably contributed to the split of the MDC, is probably one of those most informed politicians when it comes to constitutional matters. Like Mwonzora and a few others, the flamboyant professor usually tackles facts as they are.
Welsh is right when he says that Zanu (PF) is treating Zimbabweans as morons, or they are simply trying to push for an early election under the old constitution. He is also right to say that even if elections were held under the old constitution, Zanu (PF) will still lose unless they resort to their willing “dogs” ready to maul innocent Zimbabweans for a few pieces of silver.
A shorter leash
Unfortunately for the dogs, Sadc is seriously shortening the leash to allow for a free and fair election, even without a new constitution. The region is understandably exhausted. They just want to see an end to this decade-old lunacy.
If Zanu (PF) really wanted to write a new constitution, they would have easily done so especially prior to 1999 when they did not have any notable challenge. The reason why they never did is that they thought they would rule forever.
Everybody knows that by watering down presidential powers, the new constitution protects us not from President Mugabe but from future leaders.
‘Let the nation freely determine its destiny’
By splitting the Attorney General’s office, we are putting checks and balances in place not against Tomana but for posterity. By allowing for dual citizenship, we are not doing a favour to the British or Americans but empowering our own people. Devolution ensures equal opportunity for all regions unlike a situation where a poor peasant farmer in Chilonga travels to Harare to obtain a relative’s death certificate or a primary school teacher in Binga goes to Harare to correct a simple spelling mistake on a birth certificate. Provincial governors should also be accountable to local citizens not to the Harare-based president who handpicks them for nothing but sycophancy.
Let the nation decide
If Zanu (PF) is confident or naïve enough to think that they have the people behind them in their manipulation of the draft constitution, they are free to put to the referendum as many versions of their draft as they wish. COPAC will present its own draft. Let the nation freely determine its destiny.
Pervasive plundering of national resources, which is the epicentre of all this bigotry, must not be allowed to stall national progress by another day.
Zanu (PF) must be reminded that should the new constitution fail, it is them that have more to lose. An extremely powerful post-Mugabe president is the last thing anyone would wish for, given our tainted history. I don’t know why this reality does not strike some of our brothers and sisters. – chambokom@gmail.com
Post published in: Opinions & Analysis