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New draft constitution nears public release date
The Constitutional Select Committee (COPAC)
March 22, 2012

Constitution Select Committee (COPAC) is pleased to advise that the constitution is now in its final stage of drafting before it is released to the public for familiarization and discussion. The document is now undergoing its final amendments following the recently completed review by the Select Committee.

The review entailed a clause-by-clause inspection of the document that was received form the drafters, checking mainly for compliance with the instructions for drafting and the source materials given to the drafters. COPAC has, throughout the process, worked in the best interest of the nation and has remained committed to its mandate of spearheading a people-centred process. The people's views, as collected during the public consultation phase or outreach, will form the core of the new draft constitution.

The document being finalized will also include issues that had been 'parked' or shelved for further interrogation and debate. This follows the meeting of the Management Committee held on the 20th of March 2012, where issues were discussed and consensus reached on a number of issues. The few remaining will soon be resolved.

A lot of progress has been made on the constitution-making process, and we would like to assure the nation of Zimbabwe that the new constitution will be out soon. We also commit ourselves to ensuring that it will be widely publicized before the Second All Stakeholder's Conference that will be held soon. Plans for this important conference are already at an advanced stage. At this conference, Zimbabweans will be given the opportunity, through their representatives, to scrutinize the new draft and give their comments. The next step will be the debate in Parliament and finally the referendum, where Zimbabweans are expected to give the new draft their seal of approval.

The release of the new draft constitution will be a very exciting time for Zimbabwe. We urge all Zimbabweans to read the new constitution when it comes out, understand its provisions and have their say at the referendum.

Hon. Munyaradzi Mangwana
Co-chair

Hon. Douglas Mwonzora
Co-chair

Hon. Edward Mkhosi
Co-chair

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