The conference is a vital stage in the making of a new constitution and every process associated with it should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. The decision to invite observers reflects that seriousness.
The presence of observers is vital for introducing checks and balances in the constitution-making process and serves as a vital tool of forestalling irregularities and unwanted behaviour.
There have been several reports indicating that some political stakeholders were planning to bring mayhem to the conference, as a way of frustrating the process of making a new people’s charter for Zimbabwe.
The presence of regional and international observers will also be good for transparency and accountability. Granted, they will not have any active role in the process, but their involvement will compel stakeholders to respect the canons of accountability and professionalism, not to mention democracy.
The decision to have the conference monitored reflects political maturity. We hope it is a demonstration of a general willingness to move forward with the crafting of new people’s charter.
When the First All Stakeholders Conference was held in 2009, there was chaos. Political hooligans acted with impunity and disrupted proceedings. The police stood idly by and allowed this to happen. The second conference should surely take place in a constructive, peaceful and positive manner.
Another beauty about inviting observers is that it sets the tone for future electoral processes. After the conference, a referendum will follow, and then general elections some time next year. The findings and recommendations of observers will be used to plan for the polls.
If the conference is held successfully, it will lay important groundwork for future democratic processes. This will teach politicians on how to conduct themselves in an acceptable and beneficial manner. It will also send the right message to the electorate.
Having said that, we pray that the observers will be chosen in a non-partisan manner. We do not look forward to the often repeated mantra that foreign observers should be barred because they favour this or that party. The whole observer selection process ought to be above board and as inclusive as possible.
We also want to urge political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to keep their eyes and ears open, with the express view of learning one or two lessons from the conference.
Post published in: Editor: Wilf Mbanga
The worry that the Second All Stakeholders Conference could be disrupted by unruly thugs is completely justified because this whole constitution writing process has been dogged by violence throughout. If people in Harare are affraid of violence then imagine what the poor defenseless people in the rural areas, away from the spotlight, must feel. It is totally unacceptable that anyone should have to put up with this constant threat and underlines the lie that this is a democratic and open process!