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‘Constitutional breakthrough no guarantee for free polls’

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CONSTITUTIONAL and Parliamentary Affairs minister Eric Matinenga has said that the recent breakthrough in the constitution-making process and possible subsequent endorsement of the draft document at referendum did not guarantee the holding of free and fair elections.

CONSTITUTIONAL and Parliamentary Affairs minister Eric Matinenga has said that the recent breakthrough in the constitution-making process and possible subsequent endorsement of the draft document at referendum did not guarantee the holding of free and fair elections.

REPORT BY VENERANDA LANGA SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER

Addressing journalists at his offices last Friday, Matinenga said politicians needed to adopt a culture of respect for the constitution and political will to enforce it to foster creation of a conducive electoral atmosphere.

“The new constitution will not guarantee us free and fair elections, but what is going to guarantee us that is a culture of constitutionalism,” said Matinenga.

“All decisions made by anybody should be done in terms of the draft constitution, and whether that particular person will not choose to do so is a different issue because, maybe, that particular person does not respect the draft constitution.” Matinenga said the culture of constitutionalism must be practiced right across the generality of the population, from the leaders to the ordinary citizens.

His sentiments were supported by constitutional expert and author Greg Linington who said a constitution was just a piece of paper which depended on whether there was a culture of constitutionalism in order for what was contained in it to be effective.

“For the new constitution to be effective, it must be followed by the army, the police and all offices, including the electoral office.

“These are crucial to guarantee free and fair elections,” Linington said.

The inclusive government principals agreed on devolution, creation of the national prosecuting authority, establishment of a constitutioal court and dual citizenship, among other sensitive issues.