The meeting, to debate the topic “Are Zimbabweans ready for the referendum in March”, was supposed to be graced by several panelists, among them MDC-99 President, Job Sikhala, Blessing Vava, the National Constitutional Assembly Information Officer and Eric Matinenga, the Minister of Constitutional Affairs.
Zimbabwe Lawyer for Human Rights Director, Irene Petras, Noko Mjobisa of ZAPU, Goodson Nguni from Zanu (PF) and one Chafunga were also supposed to be part of the panel.
Zimbabwe is expected to go to a referendum on 16 March to vote on a draft constitution.
A press statement released by the Media Centre indicated that the meeting had been cancelled despite the organisation having adhered to the stipulations and regulations of the Public Order and Security Act by way of notifying the police.
“The meeting was cancelled on grounds that Media Centre should make a new application to hold this public meeting,” read the statement.
One of the panelists, Vava told The Zimbabwean that the referendum was a topical issue and the action by the police was unjustified.
“It is important for us to debate this issue as the country is set to go to a referendum soon. This debate was going to expose the flaws of the draft constitution and, as NCA, we maintain that people should be given more time before going to the referendum,” he said.
Petraz attacked the police for continuing to curtail freedom of expression and of assembly using POSA.
“We are going for elections soon and it’s sad to note that the police is allowed to do as it pleases. This was not a political discussion but was just a forum aimed at enlightening the people about the draft constitution,” said Petraz.
Commenting on his Facebook page, another panelist, Sikhala, said the cancellation showed that Zimbabwe was still ruled under a dictatorship.
Post published in: News