MAVAMBO, Kusile, Dawn (MKD) leader Simba Makoni yesterday lashed out at the Global Political Agreement (GPA) leaders for rushing through the draft constitution and making concessions to suit their party interests.
Report by Everson Mushava
Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Makoni said his party would decide whether to support the document or lobby for a “No” vote as soon as Copac had released the document.
“Right now, we don’t know what they agreed on,” he said.
President Robert Mugabe and his former archrivals Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC-T), Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara and MDC leader Welshman Ncube last week approved the draft, paving way for a referendum.
Constitutional Affairs minister Eric Matinenga told journalists the three leaders had made the compromises to accommodate the “fears, concerns and aspirations of all the political parties”.
Makoni said the speed at which the principals endorsed the document raised eyebrows.
“So, what was conceived as a key national development initiative, an anchor for the future of our country and its citizens, has been reduced to a political expedient for the benefit of a handful, maybe just two individuals,” he said.
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“Deferment of implementation of new provisions by 10 years is clearly aimed at taking care of particular persons. “It is clear we are making a constitution for two people under the guise of a national exercise.
“The clear message from GPA principals, Minister Matinenga and the Copac co-chairs is that compromises were made in the interest, and for the mutual self-preservation of GPA parties.”
Makoni blasted the GPA principals for what he said was their arrogance in disregarding the provisions of the GPA and arrogating themselves the role to produce the constitution.
“We were appalled by the cowardice and pliancy of Copac and the whole Parliament, in abdicating their responsibility to produce a draft constitution and put it to the people of Zimbabwe,” he said. He lambasted the MDCs for forming an unholy alliance with Zanu PF, which he termed “MDC-PF” to rob the public of its right to decide its destiny.
Makoni said Tsvangirai and Ncube should explain to the country why they agreed to negotiate the process after vowing never to seize it from Copac.
