Principals in call for unity

By Takunda Maodza and Lloyd Gumbo (17/06/10)

THE leadership of the inclusive Government has called for peace, tolerance and unity of purpose during the constitution-making outreach programme that begins next week.

Launching the outreach programme in Harare yesterday, President Mugabe said Zimbabweans should be allowed to give their views on the new constitution without inhibition.

"Let there be no hindrance to people airing their views.

"The people have that right. Please no quarrelling, no violence or conflict.

"Why should there be conflict on these matters?

"If the views of my party are of a given nature, those who may not like them or want modification, let their voices be heard as well.

"We (principals) shall assist in ensuring that there is peace and liberty," President Mugabe said.

He said the executive would draw 10 people from each of the three main political parties to address any violence that might arise.

"Vanhu varege kurwisana, vango taurirana chete.

"Let us sometimes agree to differ . . . Difference of opinion is permissible.

"We wish the launch and the outreach to be successful. We should allow our people to speak so that they can be heard.

"We do not want to hear that others are being denied the chance to air their views and it should be balanced.

"Let us support the exercise and freedom of our people to be heard. Let us be united.

"We are of one destiny, one national anthem and we hoist one national flag," he said.

The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces challenged the media to support the process by reporting objectively and promoting unity.

He shot down private media assertions that there was tension and animosity between him and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

"Pane vanoti hakudanwi anonzwikwa kuna Tsvangirai naVaMugabe . . . zvirikubva kupi?

"Tiri muHurumende, have some respect for vatungamiriri kwete kungoita zvinhu zvokurota. Be critical, yes, but be objective," he said.

President Mugabe applauded the constitutional select and management committees for working hard to make yesterday’s launch a success.

In his address, PM Tsvangirai added his voice to the call for peace and tranquillity.

He challenged the police to deal decisively with any forces that might try to derail the process.

"The world is watching both the process and content of the final document.

"It is the duty of the Zimbabwe Republic Police to oversee the safety and security of those driving the process.

"They should resist any acts of intimidation. There is no reason or excuse for violence during the outreach programme.

"Only if our people are free to participate will we be able to produce a people’s document," PM Tsvangirai said.

He promised that the leadership would accept the outcome of the process.

Deputy PM Arthur Mutambara described constitution-making as the "ultimate expression of national sovereignty".

"Let us make sure people are free to converse before, during and after crafting the new constitution.

"All parties have an obligation to allow peace and tranquillity without duress.

"We must make sure the conditions in the country allow for proper conversation," DPM Mutam-bara said.

He said there should be a total buy-in and ownership of the document by the people "so that Zimbabweans can say this is my constitution and I defend it".

"Having a good constitution is not the alpha and omega of our success.

"There are other limitations to the constitution and let us be clear on the limitations, which are values and principles — fairness, justice and separation of powers.

"Values cannot be legislated. We cannot legislate love or respect.

"We should do social mobilisation. We need constitutionalism. There is no constitution that provides for violence and thievery," said the DPM.

He said all political parties and interest groups should be allowed to contribute to the process.

Article 6 of the GPA prescribes promulgation of a new constitution.

However, lack of financial resources has delayed the process.

During the outreach, teams will go around the country collating people’s views on what they want included in the new constitution.

Thereafter, a referendum will be held.