Zanu PF politburo endorses Kariba draft

By Never Kadungure (political editor)

The Zanu PF politburo on Wednesday confirmed long held fears by formally adopting the Kariba draft constitution as its reference document for the new constitution making process.

Although this draft was signed by both Zanu PF and the MDC in the holiday resort town of Kariba several years ago, civil society groups have said it basically entrenches Mugabe’s powers and will be a step back for democracy.

The Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe criticized the politburo’s endorsement of the Kariba Draft saying this sought to marginalize citizens from participating in national issues of governance.

‘Constitution making cannot be left to the politicians alone. The C.C.D.Z working with other civil society organizations demands an all-inclusive and broad process of coming up with a new democratic Constitution for the country,’ a statement read.

The group wants the Parliamentary Select Committee to make a clear statement that the views expressed by the people will be taken seriously throughout the process of Constitution making.

‘There is fear now that the Provincial and District outreach programmes being conducted by the Parliamentary Select Committee are for academic purposes and that the parties in the inclusive government are half-hearted on facilitating a people-driven process.’

The pressure group added that since people did not participate in the authorship of the Kariba Draft, the Parliamentary Select Committee should not use it.