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New Constitution-making process - Index of articles
MDC press statement on draft Constitution
Movement
for Democratic Change (MDC)
July
28, 2012
The MDC National Executive met today to receive a report and consider
the draft
Constitution concluded by the Parliamentary Select Committee and
Management Committee of Copac.
After extensive
deliberations, the executive committee was satisfied that the draft
Constitution essentially captures the views of the people of
Zimbabwe and represents an incremental gain in the democratisation
process.
As such the
executive committee resolved to support the draft Constitution and
will recommend the same to national council of the party, which
is scheduled to meet on Friday 3 August 2012.
The national
executive noted that some of the positive aspects of this draft
include;
- The resolution
of the question of citizenship by firstly, guaranteeing citizenship
to Zimbabweans who were previously denied citizenship and secondly
allowing dual citizenship to Zimbabweans by birth.
- The establishment
of foundations for strong democratic institutions that include;
a stronger Parliament to effect checks and balances on the Executive
while providing for a strong and accountable President and the
creation of independent commissions including the gender commission.
- The provision
of comprehensive mechanisms for equal representation of women
in Parliament through the Zebra system in the Upper House and
provision of a quota in the Lower House.
- An expanded
and comprehensive Bill of Rights that guarantees equality of all
persons and now provides for economic, social and cultural rights
including the rights of children and workers.
- The devolution
of power to the provinces.
- The establishment
of the National Prosecution Authority and the Constitutional Court.
- Freedom
of the Press and Media.
Although there
are some things that the MDC may have wanted included in the Constitution,
the MDC respects the will of the people of Zimbabwe and the fact
that some aspects of this Constitution had to be negotiated.
The party resolved
that the people of Zimbabwe must be given opportunity to decide
on the draft through a referendum.
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