List of Constituional Principles

The following are the constitutional principles guiding the drafting of the new constitution for Zimbabwe:

1. Supremacy of the constitution
2. Recognition of Zimbabwe’s liberation, democracy, sovereignty of the state and its people
3. Recognition of the principle of separation of powers
4. Recognition of land and natural resources as belonging to all Zimbabweans
5. The constitution should contain mechanisms of redressing colonial imbalances in the distribution of natural resources including land
6. The new constitution must ensure the maintenance of unity, in diversity, peace, stability, security and prosperity for all the people of Zimbabwe
7. Recognition of the rule of law, good governance and democracy
8. Recognition that power to rule and govern must be derived from the authority of the people
9. The recognition of fundamental human rights
10. All organs of the state to respect, protect, promote and fulfill the rights and freedoms spelt out in the Bill of Rights
11. Recognition of the principle of decentralization
12. Recognition of the principle of devolution of power
13. Recognition of gender equality and gender mainstreaming in all spheres of governance
14. The recognition of the rights of children, the youth, the disabled, women, workers and vulnerable groups
15. The recognition of universal adult suffrage
16. The recognition of the importance of an electoral system that guarantees regular, free and fair and effective elections that ensure adequate representation of the electorate
17. Recognition of the importance of Bill of Rights by entrenching it in the constitution and its justiciability
18. Recognition of the principle of checks and balances among the levels of government and the Arms of the State
19. Recognition of the need for equitable resource sharing mechanisms
20. Recognition of the rights of racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious and political minorities
21. That the management of public finances should be informed by transparency, responsiveness, accountability, responsibility, integrity and equity
22. All arms of state to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance
23. Recognition of the principle of constitutional transition and orderly transfer of power
24. All Arms of State must uphold the constitution, respect human rights, be non-partisan and professional
25. The constitution must recognize the diversity of languages, customary practices and traditions and must seek to protect and promote these
26. The institution, status and role of traditional leadership, according to indigenous law, shall be spelt out and recognized in the constitution

    
Co-Chairpersons:

Hon. MP Mangwana

Hon. DT Mwonzora

Hon. ET Mkhosi

COPAC, 28 June 2010

The Constitution making process has begun in earnest with outreach teams having been deployed to all the country’s ten provinces. This was revealed at a media briefing held by the co-chairpersons of the Constitutional Parliamentary Committee, COPAC, Honourable Paul Mangwana, Honourable and Douglas Mwonzora while deputy Co-Chairperson ,Senator Believe Gaule represented Co-Chairperson, Edward  Mkhosi. The media briefing was held at the COPAC offices on Wednesday last week in Harare.

During the last national census conducted in the country, women accounted for 52% of Zimbabwe’s population. Zimbabwean women play critical roles in society and the economy both in their individual and caring roles.

Women in Zimbabwe constitute less than 18% of the country’s  political leadership and even less of its business ownership and leadership. Zimbabwe’s present constitution lags behind other constitutions throughout the world in terms of failing to guarantee the equality of women and men, and to protect them from discrimination, whilst instead actually giving licence to the worst kinds of discrimination against women, such as that in family law.

COPAC, July 05, 2010

Donor organisations and governments are supporting the Constitution making process financially and through donations of equipment. In a statement issued by the UNDP, the partners supporting the Constitution making process include, the UN organisation, the European Commission, Sida, UK, USAID and the governments of France, Australia, Norway, the Netherlands and Denmark.

“The partners supporting the constitutional making process in Zimbabwe are pleased to be associated with this event that sees the launch of the long awaited process of consulting the people of Zimbabwe to make an input into the formulation of a new constitution that will define how the people would like to be governed,” reads the statement from UNDP.

From the 29th of July 2010, COPAC will have a stand at the Book Fair in Harare. Visit our stand and pick up a brochure or two, talk to us and get to understand how you too, can play your part.