Constitution-making process hits new hurdle, say officials

They argue that the only change was the “syntax and choice of words”.
The first draft was rejected and referred back to the drafters as constitutional experts described it as an “orchestrated” attack on the country’s moral, cultural and revolutionary pillars.

Said Cde Mangwana: “The document has been accepted and we can only say the management committee has unparked dual citizenship where we agreed that an Act of Parliament should deal with it.
“As for devolution of power, there were quite some discussions and we are close to an agreement.”
The management committee will meet again next Monday.

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“The issue of dual citizenship has been resolved by leaving everything to an Act of Parliament, but there was no movement on devolution of power.
“We also agreed that anyone who has contributions should forward them to the co-chairpersons and we will consider that input. That should be done between tomorrow (today) and Friday before a management committee meeting slated for Monday,” co-chairperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora (MDC-T) said.
Co-chairperson Mr Edward Mkhosi added: “The management committee is still looking at the document, but all I can say is the exercise is still incomplete and we hope that come Monday, a solution will be found.”

GPA principals have ordered the management committee to submit the draft this week.
The two contentious issues, devolution and dual citizenship, were rejected by the public during the outreach programme, but they remain “parked” and unresolved matters in the new draft.

The writing of the new Constitution, that started three years ago, has been stalled on several occasions due to disagreements between political parties driving the process.

Stakeholders have accused Copac of turning the process into a money-making venture.