MATABELELAND Civil Society Forum (MCSF) — a consortium of over 40 Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) — has warned that it will not accept a “further watered down” constitutional draft as a result of “hijacking of the process by the Executive”.
REPORT BY KHANYILE MLOTSHWA STAFF REPORTER
MCSF spokesperson Dumisani Nkomo, in a statement yesterday, vowed to campaign against any political party that attempts to dilute the draft constitution, particularly on devolution of power.
“While the Global Political Agreement envisaged a parliamentary driven, people-centred process, it appears that once again the Executive has flexed its muscles. We are also dismayed that while the MDC formations claimed that the contents of the initial draft would not be debated or negotiated, the draft is once again being debated, negotiated and is likely to be subjected to various amendments,” he said.
“The MCSF, among other groups, only agreed to accept the original draft on the understanding that it would not be negotiated or tampered with. It must be borne in mind that MCSF had initially rejected the draft at the Bulawayo Civil Society Forum Conference held on June 21 2012, as outlined in the Bulawayo Declaration.”
Nkomo added: “The initial draft contained watered down clauses on issues like devolution and was as such, unacceptable to civil society in Matabeleland. However, in the broader national interests and in the interest of progress, the forum resolved to back the Copac process and its flawed draft, only to be let down by the latest clown-making and constitutional circus.”
Nkomo challenged the inclusive government principals, negotiators and the Copac management committee, to ensure that the constitution-making process was speedily concluded and vital tenets such as separation of powers and devolution of power were enshrined in the draft.
“Any party that blocks devolution of power risks rejection in the coming elections, especially from the people of Matabeleland, Midlands and Manicaland,” he said. “We warn any political party that is opposed to devolution of power that this would be tantamount to committing political suicide in the elections.”
