A CABINET committee appointed by the principals of the inclusive government to conclude the constitution-making process was by late yesterday locked up in a meeting to make resolutions on contentious issues ahead of a principals’ meeting today.
Report by Everson Mushava
The committee, supervised by Constitutional Affairs minister Eric Matinenga, was set to break the deadlock in the constitution-making process.
Sources told NewsDay last night that the committee was close to making a deal. Another source privy to the goings-on claimed discussions had all, but reached a successful conclusion.
Zanu PF negotiator Patrick Chinamasa, however, said negotiations were still in progress and no conclusion had been reached.
“It is not correct that we have concluded,” Chinamasa said. “We are still meeting and I will only be able to comment after the meeting.” Matinenga said progress had been made in yesterday’s meeting although deliberations were still going on.
“Right now, the secretariat is preparing a report to be presented to the principals tomorrow (today) if we are called to do so,” Matinenga said.
MDC representative in the committee Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga declined to comment on the issue, referring all questions to Matinenga, but confirmed the committee was still meeting to conclude outstanding issues.
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Sources, however, told NewsDay the committee had resolved all issues, suggesting the report being compiled was meant to be presented to principals and then to Parliament to enable a referendum.
Contentious issues include the clause on presidential running mates, devolution, dual citizenship, the establishment of a national prosecuting authority and a constitutional court.
