While I agree with some of the proposals, I also see considerable danger should a few others be implemented. We must not forget that this nation would not have been locked into this unfortunate situation if Zanu (PF) had participated in the Copac exercise in good faith. Most of us are aware that all the three political parties had agreed on the July 18 Copac draft, then Zanu (PF) reneged on some 266 issues that had to be re-negotiated. The remaining few issues are part of what the former revolutionary party is seeking to change.
On the issue of presidential running mates during elections, the co-chairs list the first option as the one stated in the Copac draft. This is obviously, going to be rejected by Zanu (PF). The second option they propose is that the President should appoint the Vice Presidents after elections and then rank them as 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents. But this is exactly the current position and does not resolve the succession issue as we have witnessed for some years.
It is likely that consensus will be reached on the second option. With regard to the powers of the President to declare war and make peace, the co-chairs propose that these powers should remain on condition that Parliament is informed within seven sitting days, and that the legislature should either approve the presidential declaration or deny such approval through a two-thirds majority of a joint sitting of the august chamber. Here again, Zanu (PF) is likely to view this as an unwelcome curtailment of presidential powers.
On the thorny issue requiring the President to be guided by the ideals and values of the liberation struggle, the co-chairs wisely propose, “…to insert a new clause to read as follows: ‘The President must respect and recognize Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle’.” We all know that this will be as meaningless as it is intended to be. There should be no serious contention on this proposal.
In relation to whether the President of the Senate should be presided over by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission or by the Clerk of Parliament, the co-chairs propose that the election of the President of the Senate be conducted by the Clerk of parliament with the assistance of ZEC.
The same should also apply to the election of the Deputy President of Senate, the Speaker of Parliament and his deputy. This is clearly a compromise which all parties to the Global Political Agreement should accept for the sake of the nation moving forward. In fact, the matter is so trivial that it should not have been brought up for further discussion at all.
With regard to constitutional provisions for the creation of a National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, the co-chairs propose that “…the constitution should be permissive so as to indicate that an Act of Parliament may provide for the establishment of a National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. We further propose that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission be provided for in the transitional provisions for a period of seven years.”
We all know who does not like even the sound of this proposal, mild as it is, but they must not be allowed to have their way. – makumbe60@gmail.com
Post published in: Opinions & Analysis