Zanu (PF) ‘s top decision making body outside congress, the politburo, last Thursday resolved that it would not accept the draft constitution in its current form and demanded that the document be renegotiated. The party voiced concern over several provisions, among them the treatment of national ideals, executive power and devolution of power.
Both the two MDC formations have endorsed the draft constitution and say they will not renegotiate its contents. At a civil society constitutional briefing by the Speaker of Parliament, Lovemore Moyo, in Bulawayo last week, civil society representatives said they would not tolerate any amendments to the draft.
“People from this region already feel short changed by the system of devolution which is in the current draft constitution. If there are going to be any further amendments to the draft constitution, we will not accept that. You have compromised too much,” said Reverend Useni Sibanda of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, addressing Moyo, the MDC-T National Chairman.
Reverend Sibanda’s sentiments were also shared by Jenni Williams of Woza.
“It seems you are afraid of Mugabe. Our baby, devolution of power, was diluted and now Zanu (PF) wants to further dilute the devolution. Why can’t you use your numerical advantage to safeguard these few gains in the draft constitution?” she asked.
In response, Moyo said he was not afraid of President Robert Mugabe or his party, adding that he belonged to a small group that always spoke against him and Zanu (PF).
He said his party would not acquiesce to extra demands from Zanu (PF).
The National Constitutional Assembly, another civil society organisation, is pushing for the rejection of the draft, arguing that it was not people-driven.
Post published in: News