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instead of proffering two documents as suggested by the MDC formations.
Zanu-PF insists that its proposals be taken into consideration before the referendum, while the two MDC formations say they want the Copac draft to be considered without the amendments.
The MDC formations want Zanu-PF to take the draft with its amendments to the referendum, while they offer the draft without amendments to the same electorate.
Copac national co-ordinator Mr Gift Marunda said it was now up to the principals to break the stalemate.
“From our point of view as Copac, we want to go to the referendum with one draft with general acceptance of all stakeholders,” Mr Marunda said.
“It is very important to give dialogue a chance and we believe there must be consensus among the parties. We want to encourage dialogue.”
Mr Marunda said the principals were supposed to find a solution to the constitutional question.
He said the principals had a role to play in constitution making regardless of the fact that their role was not spelt out in the GPA.
“The very nature of the GPA itself as having been a document agreed to by principals shows that technically all the other articles of the agreement must involve principals in the context of the GPA,” said Mr Marunda.
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“Our view is that it was necessary for principals to have a look at the draft and if they found that there are issues that need discussion then that would be done. Going forward, the principals must at least agree because we can’t go forward in a confrontational manner.”
Mr Marunda said money for the Second All Stakeholders conference had been secured. The conference is expected to chew up about US$1,5 million. Government, he said, had availed US$1,2 million, while donors would chip in with US$300 000.
Online Reporter