ALMOST 95% of people who cast ballots on Saturday voted in favour of the draft constitution that will curb President Robert Mugabe’s powers and rein in service chiefs, official results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) revealed yesterday. Report By EVERSON MUSHAVA/MOSES MATENGA
The draft — which paves way for fresh elections — will also limit presidential terms to two five-year stints, among other progressive provisions.
Mashonaland East | InfographicsHowever, Mugabe, who turned 89 last month, can still run for another two terms as the new constitutional provisions cannot be applied in retrospect.
Tallies of the referendum released by Zec showed that of the 3 316 082 people that voted, 3 079 966 endorsed the draft while 179 489 rejected it.
Harare and Chitungwiza | Create infographicsA total of 56 627 votes were rejected in a poll whose results surpassed the 2000 referendum figure of 1 282 302 by over two million votes and the March 2008 general elections by about 26%.
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The 2000 constitution, which was backed by Zanu PF and opposed by the MDC and civic organisations, was rejected in the referendum.
Mashonaland West | Create infographics“Since the majority of votes were received in favour of the adoption of the draft constitution, the draft constitution is declared to have been adopted by the people of Zimbabwe as the constitution of Zimbabwe,” Lovemore Chipunza Sekeramayi, Zec chief elections officer, told journalists.
Masvingo | InfographicsAfter the announcement of the results, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai congratulated Zimbabweans for voting in favour of the constitution.
Manicaland | InfographicsBut the MDC-T leader was quick to warn his party supporters of violence and defiance by Zanu PF, which he said was eager to prove that it was still in charge despite a new constitutional dispensation beckoning.
Midlands | Create infographics“History is on record that when change is about to happen, there are elements to divert it,” Tsvangirai said.
“In 2000 when we rejected the draft, two weeks later there were land invasions and widespread violence.
“When we signed the GPA (Global Political Agreement — in 2008), how many people were arrested?
Matebeleland North | Create infographics
“I remember members in my party were beaten to the point of life-threatening conditions. Now with this referendum, there are arrests, attacks on my office. This is a reaction of people communicating with their office that we are still in charge.
“It’s a defiance message, but should we be diverted because of this defiance?
“You get these actions from people who feel trapped and that they have lost power.
“It’s a way for people to say we have lost the constitution but look, we are still in charge.”
Matebeleland South | InfographicsTsvangirai said although it had been difficult to fight dictatorship using democratic means, a new political dispensation was now on the horizon.
“From today, we have ushered in a new Zimbabwe that must necessarily come with a new culture of constitutionalism and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
“This means inculcating a new value system among Zimbabweans, especially politicians and the security sector, to respect and adhere to the constitution and stick to the cardinal dictate that no one is above the law.
Video: Reflecting back when politicians voted
“Today, we witness the culmination of our struggle for a new dispensation for which a new, democratic constitution is a key milestone.”
Tsvangirai said Zimbabwe now faced a litmus test of upholding the principle of constitutionalism especially that the new constitution, which broadens basic human rights, had been adopted.
“Thus, the new constitution is a baby of the democratic struggle in Zimbabwe,” he said.
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“Our conduct in the next referendum must show that we truly believe in constitutionalism.”
MDC-T Copac co-chair Douglas Mwonzora said the prevailing of the “Yes” vote in the referendum showed that the people of Zimbabwe were desperate for a new governance charter. He said the constitution would now be brought before Parliament before it was signed into law by Mugabe.
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MDC leader Welshman Ncube and Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo also welcomed the referendum outcome.
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