Back to Index

This article participates on the following special index pages:

Zimbabwe Briefing - Issue 91
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (SA Regional Office)
September 10, 2012

Download this document
- Acrobat PDF version (1.79MB)
If you do not have the free Acrobat reader on your computer, download it from the Adobe website by clicking here

Allow The Referendum to Take Place

Zimbabweans in Johannesburg are eager to see the constitutional making process progressing to the referendum. Through a Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition platform which had Professor Madhuku from NCA, Douglas Mwonzora from MDC-T and Qubani Moyo from MDC-N as speakers the main message that came out is: allow the referendum to take place. The two MDC formations clearly showed their unity and agreement on taking the draft constitution to the referendum. NCA which had been vocal in dismissing the COPAC led constitution making process is also in agreement that the draft should be taken to the people to decide. ZANU PF remains the main hindrance for the referendum to take place.

ZANU PF is opposing the draft constitution on the basis that it does not carry the people's views. According to Mwonzora, Zanu PF is now asking for the release of the national report which at this stage is not necessary as the process is not yet finished. "A national report is just like a school report, it starts from teaching the syllabus, setting exam, marking the exam and then produce a report, you cannot have a report of something that is still in the process said Mwonzora". ZANU PF has been involved in all the Copac processes and phases. It is a blatant lie for them now to claim that they are not supporting the draft because people's views are not included. Both Mwonzora from MDC-T and Qubani Moyo agreed that the current draft constitution by Copac is not the best of the documents but it is a much better constitution than the current one. Whilst Madhuku agreed that the draft should be taken to the referendum, he cautioned Zimbabweans that they should not vote blindly supporting their political parties. He urged Zimbabweans to read the document, under-stand it and then make informed decisions. Madhuku also informed that there is great danger of losing the idea of making a constitution by confusing it with removing Mugabe from power. The unfortunate snub of the meeting by ZANU PF's Paul Mangwana at the very last minute did not make the meeting less productive as the party members were represented in the crowd. However, the over-arching message remained that a free and fair referendum should allowed to take place.

Download full document

Visit the Crisis in Zimbabwe fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP