The party said it had endorsed the “flawed” draft because it was better than starting from the beginning. In a statement issued by the party’s Secretary for Information, Mjobisi Noko, said: “ZAPU has sought ways to influence the constitutional process, but the straightjacket nature of the GPA has allowed room for its signatories to collectively dictate the limits of change in constitutional reform.
“The draft adopted by Parliament simultaneously reflects both widening of democratic space and three-legged features dictated by self-interest, most exemplified by what has been dubbed “parked” provisions.”
ZAPU feels the overall tone of the draft’s founding principles and values provides optimism for a rights-based approach to the crafting of state institutions. In the past few weeks the party has indicated that it is prepared to unite with other parties ahead of elections on the condition that it is not asked to drop its name.