COPAC co- Chairperson presents First Draft Constitution to Gweru CSOs
On the 18th of May Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) facilitated a meeting between COPAC, represented by COPAC co-chairperson, Honourable Douglas Mwonzora and civil society organisations in Gweru where Hon Mwonzora presented the first draft constitution and responded to concerns from CSOs represented.
The COPAC co-chairperson discussed the sections in the draft which have been causing delays in the finalisation of the draft constitution. Some of the highlighted areas included the issues of dual citizenship, structure of the devolved government and the formation of a constitutional court. Hon Mwonzora also explained that due to the access that military personnel have to dangerous weapons, the proposed constitution clearlystates that they should not be seen openly supporting any political party. He also told the group that due to the varying suggestions on the upper age limit for presidency, the constitution does not give an upper limit to the age of a Zimbabwean president.
Participants raised the following issues;
- Executive powers for the presidency are the root of many of the problems in Zimbabwe. The President should have limited powers
- Property rights should be protected in the constitution
- Civil servants should not be politically affiliated with any political party due to the nature of their business.
- Security forces and heads of parastatals should have limited terms of office