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This article participates on the following special index pages:
November 2005 street protests - Index of articles
Nationwide
demonstrations for a people's constitution: A resounding success
National
Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
November
05, 2005
The
NCA today (November 5, 2005) staged peaceful demonstrations in Harare,
Bulawayo, Gweru,, Mutare and Masvingo. The demonstrations were staged
as part of the continuing push for a democratic constitution and
in condemnation of the senate elections to be held on 26 November
2006.
Five hundred
people participated in the two demonstrations held in Harare. In
the first demonstration that took place from at 1130 Hours Causeway
Post Office to Harare Central Police station, two hundred people
participated. Six of these were arrested and two sustained injuries
when police brutally thwarted the demonstration and pounced the
peaceful demonstrators with truncheons. Another demonstration was
held at 1400 hours, with three hundred people participating. The
demonstrators marched from Harare Street through Samora Machel Avenue
up to the main Post Office where armed police dispersed them.
The Bulawayo
demonstration , 400 participated from Nhliziyo shopping center to
Entumbane hall, waving placards and banners calling for a new constitution
and denouncing the forthcoming bogus senate elections. In Mutare
150 demonstrators marched peacefully along Herbert Chitepo Street
and were only dispersed by police after marching for 45 minutes.
The Masvingo demonstration had 200 people participating. They peacefully
marched through the City centre chanting songs and slogans in call
for a democratic constitution and in denunciation of the senate
elections. In Gweru, 200 people demonstrated in push for a democratic
constitution. The Gweru march lasted for 45 minutes across the city,
with members of the public being issued with fliers calling for
a democratic constitution.
While the police
in Harare violently treated the peaceful demonstrators, the NCA
wishes to commend the police in Bulawayo and other places for displaying
professional conduct in letting citizens enjoy their right to the
freedom of expression. The demonstrations were in national interest.
The NCA organized the demonstrations as part of attempts towards
the realization of a peaceful, prosperous, democratic and united
country founded on human dignity and social justice.
It was in this
same vein that the demonstrations were in condemnation of the senatorial
elections. These elections are not in the best interest of the people
of Zimbabwe. They are a stage managed ritual meant for the benefit
of a few self-seeking elites. Millions of Zimbabweans who are suffering
under the scourge of economic hardships will certainly not benefit
from these elections whose result is predetermined.
Judging by the
impact and success that marked the staging of today’s demonstrations,
Zimbabweans are certainly on the road to a constitution of their
own making.
Earnest Mudzengi
Assistant
to the National Chairperson
Visit the NCA
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