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Taking the constitutional debate to Mudzi
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
September 06, 2010

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition held a community outreach meeting under the Voice Up constitutional campaign in Mudzi on the 3rd of September 2010 which was attended by 43 people (26 male and 17 female). The campaign is aimed at providing civic education to communities on the constitutional reform process and enhancing citizen participation in the process. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Carter Muchada from the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) who spoke on socio-economic rights and systems of government and Ms. Maria Mache from the Crisis Coalition Secretariat who spoke on women's issues in the constitution and the importance of citizen participation.

The following issues were raised by members of the Mudzi community:

• There are allegedly high levels of coaching and intimidation of citizens by ZANU PF in the area. It was reported that villagers were divided into 17 groups based on the thematic areas and furnished with answers to different talking points by leaders of the political party in Mudzi district. It was further alleged that every Thursday, meetings are convened where villagers are threatened with unspecified action if they fail to give 'appropriate' responses.
• COPAC should put in place measures to protect those who contribute during the outreach meetings as most people fear for their lives.
• The videos and voice recorders used during meetings should not be used to instigate violence after the outreach phase of the constitution making process.

On content, the following issues were highlighted:

• Presidential terms should be limited to two five year terms only
• Women should be afforded special seats in Parliament
• The state should be devolved to allow local authorities to develop their communities without any hindrances
• Socio-economic rights particularly the rights to health, water and education should be made justiciable under the constitution.
• Youths should be between the ages of 18 and 30

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