Their reservations were contained in a combined statement released on Thursday.
On Wednesday, President Robert Mugabe signed the Constitutional Bill into law.
The Secretary General of the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, Michael Mabwe, said the adoption of the new constitution was a milestone for Zimbabwe but expressed doubt whether provisions in the new charter would be translated into action.
“Whether or not these actions will create a culture of constitutionalism, we are yet to find out, but a cloud of fear continues to hover above us.
“This is why as civic society, we need to be more vigilant in advocacy for the completion of this document without variations, be more critical of those occupying state power as we move towards elections and most importantly, be honest with ourselves as we play a watchdog role,” said Mabwe.
Women’s Coalition in Zimbabwe Chairperson, Virginia Muwanigwa, applauded the new constitution for championing gender equality but said more still needed to be done to ensure the realisation of the perceived benefits.
“We are aware that this is not enough. What’s needed is to start living the constitution,” said Muwanigwa.
Hopewell Gumbo of the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development said issues to do with elections were likely to cause disrespect of the new charter by political leaders.
“In as much as there are guidelines in the new constitution for elections, they remain subject to the politics of the major parties and don’t be surprised if the election issue becomes the first incident where the constitution, new as it is, is going to be violated,” said Gumbo.
The Director of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, Macdonald Lewanika, implored political leaders to show respect for the new constitution.
“What we expect is that those in leadership will respect its spirit and letter so as to enable the development of our society in all important aspects,” said Lewanika.
Post published in: News