According to The Standard newspaper the two principals issued a directive to the Minister for Parliamentary and Constitutional Affairs, Eric Matinenga, to “take over the administration of COPAC” ahead of the second all-stakeholders conference. Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa was reportedly present.
But Matinenga categorically refused, insisting that the process, as defined by the Global Political Agreement (GPA), is to be managed by a committee of parliament (COPAC). Matinenga is reported to have advised Mugabe and Tsvangirai not to interfere with that process by making executive decisions.
Matinenga confirmed to SW Radio Africa that he spoke to The Standard newspaper and said he stands by his conviction that constitutional reform should run its course as dictated by Article 6 of the GPA, under COPAC management. But he would not be drawn into discussing the meeting with the Principals.
Phillip Pasirayi, spokesperson for the Crisis Coalition, told SW Radio Africa that he was surprised and shocked at the Prime Minister for taking part in such a meeting and for allowing ZANU PF to drag him into their political games.
“We would have expected the PM to resist. I am surprised he is being roped in by ZANU PF into this illegal game that is against the GPA. We all know ZANU PF has never been interested in genuine constitutional reform. Look at the road that the process has taken, with ZANU PF using thugs to resist,” Pasirayi said.
The activist said civil society has always pointed to the fact that there is no separation of powers in Zimbabwe and the Executive is vested with “imperial powers”. By working with Mugabe to take over the constitutional process, Tsvangirai would have joined the ZANU PF ranks and ignored the people.
Pasirayi also commended Minister Matinenga for standing by his convictions on the issue. He said as a lawyer Matinenga knows the takeover of COPAC would be illegal and against the GPA.
The entire constitutional reform exercise has been strongly criticized by a number of civil society groups and observers, who say the COPAC draft does not represent the views of the people and that the process was hijacked by the three political parties.
The outreach programme was marred by intimidation and assaults on participants who were described as “sellouts” by ZANU PF supporters, who came with pre-written contributions. Critics say the people were silenced from the beginning.
In rural areas many did not understand what should be in a constitution and were unable to make contributions that were meaningful. – SW Radio Africa
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