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Statement on the national deception of the COPAC Second 'All Stakeholders Conference': Bring on the referendum, we can't wait to vote no
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
October 25, 2012

The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) categorically dismisses the national deception that was COPAC's illegitimate Second All Stakeholders Conference. The political party event that occurred on 21 and 22 October 2012 can only be considered as a national tragedy of epic proportions and one that must correctly be assigned to the darker side of Zimbabwe's history.

It was neither a 'stakeholders' meeting nor legitimate enough to be considered as representing the broad spectrum of Zimbabwean society. Instead it was as undemocratic and borderline treasonous as has been the entirety of the COPAC process since its inception by the inclusive government.

For COPAC to have had the temerity to even proceed with its political party meeting after President Mugabe had made it clear that it is the principals of the GPA that would decide on the final version of the draft is ridiculous to say the least. It would have been logical for the so-called All Stakeholders Conference to have concluded after the three principals had given their vacuous and patently deceptive speeches.

It is also apparent that COPAC has, three years after it embarked on its undemocratic constitution making process, failed to even meet its own low standards. It is beyond reason that it sought to discuss the entirety of its political parties draft constitution in no more than 10 hours after the principals had departed the Rainbow Towers. To claim any serious debate occurred or emerged in what were referred to as thematic commitees is to be thoroughly dishonest to the people of Zimbabwe. Any report that will emerge from such a shallow and politically deceptive process should not be taken seriously by any Zimbabwean with the democratic interests of the country at heart.

In light of the above the NCA strongly urges all Zimbabweans to reject the national deception that is COPAC and Article 6 of the GPA by voting 'No' to the Principals draft constitution when the referendum is held. Once this draft is rejected, it remains the right of Zimbabweans to embark on a democratic, people driven process that transcends the political interests of narrow minded political parties and their political leaders. Such a process can only be undertaken by an independent, all embrasive and democratic commission as envisioned in Section 3 of the Zimbabwe Peoples Charter.

In order to effect the rejection of the COPAC draft at a national referendum the NCA shall continue its outreach and awareness public meetings in all corners of Zimbabwe. In all of these meetings the central message will be that of emphasizing the urgent need to bring to finality the national deception that has been the undemocratic COPAC constitution making process. And in order for this to happen, 'bring on the referendum, we can't wait to vote no'.

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