adminnational consensus.
Our three main political parties with representation in Parliament — Zanu-PF, MDC-T and MDC — have all endorsed the draft and urged their supporters to follow suit.
Despite this convergence of minds, there are some among us who are calling for a “No” vote for their own, albeit selfish, reasons.
Chief among the reasons advanced is the ludicrous claim that the Constitution-making process was spearheaded by politicians instead of non-state actors who, ironically, are not elected by anybody but tend to hold a brief for donors who bankroll their operations.
We do not begrudge the naysayers their constitutional right to express contrary opinions.
We, however, take this opportunity to remind them that this is their chance to show the nation who they represent.
And should the “Yes” vote prevail as is widely expected, the nabobs of negativity should respect the will of the majority and stop their self-serving campaigns.
While the “Yes” vote might appear guaranteed, we warn progressive people against apathy, for it is said the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Unlike in the year 2000 when many were duped into rejecting the Constitutional Commission’s draft when naysayers claimed it gave the State President unbridled powers; this time we all have the benefit of hindsight.
Let us use our vote wisely.
The choice we face is simple, “Yes” to the draft Constitution, or “No” which effectively means “Yes” to the current Constitution.
True to character, we once again see the naysayers dwelling on presidential powers to the total exclusion of other vital sections of the draft that safeguard the foundations of our state and celebrate our history of stolid, defiant resistance to all forms of neo-colonial encroachment.
The Constitution we are voting for is a crystallisation of the aspirations of our people.
In the draft we have defined our aspirations, ethos, rights and their derogation or otherwise and how we would like to choose and be governed by our elected representatives.
Let us ensure the draft becomes our substantive national law.
Online Reporter