Tsvangirai statement on constitutional outreach

Statement by the MDC President, Morgan Tsvangirai, on the status of the constitution making process in Bulawayo, Chitungwiza and Harare at a press conference held at Harvest House, 1st Floor boardroom in Harare.

Wednesday, 22 September 2010

The MDC leadership met today to review the latest developments on the work of the Parliament-led Constitutional Outreach Programme which was scheduled to end in Bulawayo, Chitungwiza and Harare last weekend. After considering all the evidence from our COPAC teams and from independent monitors and observers drawn from civil society, the leadership noted with concern the reported loss of life; the disruptions; and the violence which marred the process.

This process fails to pass the test of legitimacy, credibility and people- drivenness. We have noted with concern the militarisation of the process, interfering with a purely civilian process. Reports from all over the country show the heavy involvement of the military in the process. In the rural areas, ordinary people were under siege from similar cases of military meddling.

The military and state agents’ involvement must be investigated and the principals must meet immediately to map the way forward. So messy was the process that it rendered the hearings unnecessary and out of step with the slightest meaning of what could possibly be regarded as a people-driven Constitution-making process. The resurgence of violence is disturbing, much as it is regrettable, for it simply derails our national path to a new dispensation.

The spirit of togetherness which was beginning to firm countrywide could easily be lost if we regress into the past and pursue a programme of conflict and confrontation which brought this beautiful country to its knees during the past 30 years. The needless violence and loss of life is a stark reminder to our dark past and a serious threat to our common future.

Zimbabwe’s vision can never be determined by thuggery and lawlessness. Neither can a nation put forward a claim to civility and dignity through intolerance and banditry. Although the majority of our people are poor, their interests are clearly defined. They want real change; they want peace and prosperity; national stability; jobs; food and a bright future for their children.

They put their trust and faith in the Inclusive Government as the best option for the country. Anyone out of this national frame of thought and sentiment stands no chance to stop us from realising our common destiny as a people. The senseless intervention of partisan gangs aided by state agents in what should be a platform for a constructive national endeavour is unfortunate and unnecessary.

A national constitution is not a party manifesto; a constitution is not an election message; a constitution is an all inclusive, holistic set of guiding values for a nation based on a shared storehouse of communal ethics, a defining culture and a compelling philosophy. Violence and intolerance have no place in such a revered guide which should bind us as a family in a community of nations.

For two years, the MDC has counselled patience in our restless community; we have appealed for calm and perseverance; we have begun to sew together a nation that was dismembered by scenes similar to what we witnessed at the weekend.

For two years, we have confounded critics and doubters about our ability to restore our national esteem and national dignity; we have created platforms for dialogue and set the stage for unity of purpose, in the firm belief that our adversaries would see reason and patriotism as baseline principles for Zimbabwe’s return to a normal society.

Having carefully considered our position, and as directed by SADC, I am going to meet with other principals to map the way forward.

Thank you

Morgan Tsvangirai
MDC President