International Donors Support Constitution Making
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.
“As part of our contribution to the process, we are donating equipment that will be used by outreach teams to be deployed countrywide. The equipment includes video and voice recorders, desktops and laptops, furniture for provincial outreach coordination offices and loud hailers for public address.
“This equipment was procured at the request of national authorities leading the constitution making process. We stand ready to provide other support as provided for in the context of the framework of support agreed between the Government of Zimbabwe and the partners,” says the statement.
The partners committed themselves to supporting a people driven process which would produce an outcome that reflects the genuine views and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe. In the statement, the partners say the content should come from Zimbabweans.
“We reiterate that as partners, we have no intention to influence the content of the Constitution. We do, however, wish to see commitment to a process which is driven by the citizens of Zimbabwe. “In developing a new Constitution, we believe that that the process is as important as the outcome. A participatory, inclusive and transparent process in which all the citizens have the freedom to express their views without coercion ensures a credible outcome. It is our hope that the national authorities will take all necessary measures to ensure the credibility of the process.”
A Constitution reflected fundamental choices made for the future of the country and the model of society to which the country aspires. “As such, national consensus is vital in coming up with a Constitution that will last for generations, reflecting the national values that all the people of Zimbabwe subscribe to regardless of their political, religious, ethnic or other affiliations.”
The partners expressed confidence in the people of Zimbabwe to come up with a credible Constitution making process.
“We have confidence in the future of this country and pray that the country continues to move forward with a sense of national unity and peaceful co existence,” the partners said.
