It is very unlikely that there will be much agreement on some of the issues that Zanu (PF) delegates recommended in the 18 thematic chapters organised during the conference. Fortunately, there has already been agreement that only those issues that succeed in obtaining the consensus of the three political parties in Copac will be adopted, while those that fail to attain such a consensus will be excluded. This means that the Copac draft will largely remain intact – despite Zanu (PF)’s wishes. The two MDC formations have clear instructions to resist and reject most, if not all, of Zanu (PF)’s 266 proposed amendments to the Copac draft.
We must not forget that the Zanu (PF) representatives on Copac had initially agreed to practically everything that is currently reflected in the draft. They will look quite awkward this week as they will seek to go back on their previous agreement with the rest of the Select Committee members. We also know that there is considerable infighting within the ranks of the former liberation party, and that as a result of that factionalism, battle lines are often drawn when it comes to making decisions pertaining to how power is to be managed.
The truth of the matter is that Zanu (PF) representatives on Copac are not expected to reason. This is important for the party as we are now informed that the clause that relates to the presidential running mates was, in fact, proposed by none other than Nicholas Goche, a Zanu (PF) representative on the Management Committee that deals with Copac business. Goche claims to have made this proposal after consulting his seniors in the reeling party. He must have consulted the wrong faction.
Some of us know that most of the 266 Zanu (PF) amendments to the Copac draft emanate from the so-called hardliners. The question is: will they be able to force these down the throats of all the representatives of that party in the Select Committee? It is important to remember that the majority of the Zanu (PF) representatives in Copac are now gravely intimidated by their own party, and will be careful how they handle matters this week, lest they face the wrath of the beleaguered movement.
President Mugabe’s battle cry that the principals must now take over the writing of the constitution must be rejected with the contempt it deserves. Both Welshman Ncube and Morgan Tsvangirai have already stated that they do not agree with Baba Chatunga on this attempt to derail the constitution-making process. They must stand firm; the whole nation is behind them, including moderates within Zanu (PF) itself. Let the old man stand alone.
The real battle is likely to be in Parliament when the Copac draft is tabled. It is not clear what the Legislature is supposed to do with regard to the content of the draft constitution.
Normally, all business brought to Parliament is supposed to be debated and decisions made. What will happen if some elements within the Legislature decide not to support aspects of the Copac draft?
Will the legislators be required to vote? Will that be a secret ballot? Will Parliament have the mandate to amend the Copac draft? For answers to these and many other questions, watch this space and keep on praying. God save our nation. – makumbe60@gmail.com
Post published in: Opinions & Analysis