UPDATE - African Centre for Law & Justice: Zimbabwe - Crafting a Constitution

A report in Zimbabwes Herald newspaper stated that the government has finally secured the US$8m needed for the outreach on the constitution making process.

Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, Advocate Eric Matinenga, told the Herald that resources needed to gather public views on the writing of the new constitution were now available.

Minister Matinenga said, We have gathered the US$8million to conduct the outreach programme and we are meeting  to decide on the specific dates of the outreach, but I can tell you that the programme will start in June. The only thing we are waiting for are the recorders that will be used to gather public views. Minister Matinenga further explained that the bulk of the funds came from donors, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) playing a key role as a resource pool. He said the sixty-five day outreach programme would be preceded by a second stakeholders conference.  After the outreach and drafting of  a proposed constitution, a referendum will be held.

ACLJ's Jordan Sekulow & Minister of Constitutional & Parliamentary Affairs Eric Matinenga Launch ACLJ-Zimbabwe in January

Minister Matinenga indicated that the government would soon engage the UNDP and other partners to mobilize resources for the other stages of the constitution making process. Political parties already have embarked on nationwide campaigns to sensitise their supporters on the need to participate in the writing of the new constitution.
ZANU-PF is encouraging defence of the land reform program and other gains of the liberation struggle, while the two MDC formations are encouraging their supporters to contribute as per their position papers.

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) partnered with the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe to sensitise Pastors and key church leaders on issues that the church needs to take a stand on. The church had already worked on a position paper that the Heads of Christian Denominations has agreed on. This paper was distributed to the pastors to disseminate the information as they participate in the outreach meetings.

We will continue to update you about Zimbabwes constitution making process.

Vicky Mpofu, Executive Director African Centre for Law & Justice-Zimbabwe

Please note that in discussing political issues, candidates positions and political party statements, Jordan Sekulow is offering analysis in his individual capacity as lawyer and commentator. He is not speaking on behalf of the American Center for Law & Justice. The ACLJ does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Nothing contained in this article should be construed as the position of the ACLJ.