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Conference Report: Towards a political framework that guarantees good governance
Centre for Peace Initatives in Africa (CPIA)
March 28, 2007

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Contents

• Introduction
• Opening Remarks and Introductions
• Historical Background
• Chairperson's Remarks
• Discussion
• Chairperson's Summary of Discussion
• Implementation Committee
• Committee's Terms of Reference
• Conclusion

Introduction

The Centre for Peace Initiatives in Africa (CPIA) convened a National Conference on Zimbabwe: Towards a Political Framework that Guarantees Good Governance from the 26 - 28th of March 2007 at the Holiday Inn in Mutare. The Conference brought together 107 participants that included representatives from the Government of Zimbabwe, all political parties, Academia, representatives of the Church, Trade Unions, Civil Society, Women, Business, Farmers, War Veterans, the Youth, the Media, CPIA donors and diplomats as observers.

The Conference was a follow-up to the National Conference on Governance in the Zimbabwean Context which was held from the 14th - 16th of November 2006, at the Holiday Inn in Bulawayo. At the end of the Conference, a communiqué was adopted which mandated CPIA to convene a follow-up conference, to give shape and form to the observations and sentiments made during the conference.

The communiqué stated:

The Conference highlighted widespread concerns within Zimbabwe about the state of governance in the country. These concerns have been brought to the surface as a result of the crises facing the country in the economic, social and political spheres.

It was recognised that governance and development are intimately linked. Without good governance structures which operate effectively, and have widespread popular support, it will be impossible to address the development challenges facing the country.

The economic melt down and social dislocations currently being experienced can be traced back directly to weaknesses and structural deficiencies in our governance system.

It is clear, therefore, that there is a need on the part of all stakeholders to engage in urgent confidence building measures. A commitment to constitutional reform is absolutely vital in this context. In addition, it will be important for the government to move ahead speedily to amend or repeal legislation which inhibits political and social discourse such as POSA and AIPPA.

In addition, making progress in opening up the airwaves -- so as to allow more players --- would have a major positive impact on creating a conducive environment for meaningful and ongoing dialogue.

The central purpose of such a dialogue is to agree on a home-grown Constitution that reflects the needs, interests and aspirations of all Zimbabweans.

In this regard, the Conference recognised that, there is more agreement among stakeholders than divergence. This should make it possible to secure agreement on basic elements of such a reform process.

The Conference strongly felt that the challenges facing the country can and should be addressed and resolved by Zimbabweans themselves.

Finally, it was agreed that the dialogue started at this Conference should be followed up by CPIA who will focus on the specific recommendations made. It was recommended that CPIA convenes another conference at the earliest opportunity to continue with the process.

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