COPAC

PRESS STATEMENT

HARARE – 9 February, 2012

The Constitution Select Committee, COPAC, would like to inform Zimbabweans that the principal drafters have produced the first draft proposal of the new constitution for Zimbabwe which they are now reviewing with assistance from technical experts.

The draft proposal is work in progress until it is approved by COPAC. No suggested positions in the first proposal can be taken as final.  It is therefore premature at this stage to conclude that Zimbabweans, through the outreach consultations stated that people who have served at least two terms and those above the age of 70 will not be able to contest in the presidential elections.

The Select Committee has not yet deliberated on among other issues the age limit or the terms of office of the President.  Neither COPAC nor its Co-Chairs gave the information related to the substance of the Presidential qualifications or disqualifications to the press as this is still work in progress.

We urge Zimbabweans to exercise patience and give the Select Committee and the team of experts the opportunity to finalize the draft.   A lot of work has so far been done and people should not be distracted by hearsay. Once the draft constitution is in place, it will be translated into all vernacular languages   as well Braille and will be availed to all Zimbabweans to comment at the Second All Stakeholders’ Conference before the referendum.

COPAC would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to spearheading a people-driven constitution-making process which is inclusive and democratic. 

    
Co-Chairpersons:

Hon. MP Mangwana

Hon. DT Mwonzora

Hon. ET Mkhosi