Stop bulldozing supporters: MKD

Dr Simba Makoni said parties should exhibit democracy and let the people choose for themselves whether the document is good or bad. Makoni was speaking at a public meeting organised by Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe last week.

“Our party has not yet come up with any particular position on this constitution. But what we value is allegiance to the rule of law because no constitution can solve our problems,” said Makoni. “It is a violation of the people’s democratic rights if political parties are whipping their followers into accepting the new draft constitution. Political parties, if you are indeed as democratic as you purport to be, let the people decide whether to adopt or reject the draft without imposing any certain political stance on them.”

MDC- T Secretary General Tendai Biti, however, urged party members to embrace the draft because it is an MDC- T “baby”.

Addressing hundreds of party supporters in Chitungwiza over the weekend. Biti said the draft represented “an irreversible start to the finish”.

“The draft constitution is a bi-product of the people’s struggle for democracy. Voting yes means we are engaging the final gear to the finishing line. Our yes vote will ensure that we oust Mugabe from office through the ballot,” said Biti.

Biti highlighted that the new draft addressed contentious issues such as citizenship, the presidential term of office, media and security sector reforms while ensuring that women’s issues were given the priority they deserve.

Citizens across the political divide have, however, expressed concern that the new draft constitution is taking too long to reach the grassroots levels. Despite several promises by the COPAC, the document is still beyond the reach of many and the majority of Zimbabwean citizens are relying on their political parties for information on the contents of the new draft.