New constitution threatens to wreck Zanu-PF

Zimbabwe's proposed new constitution threatens to wreck Zanu-PF, which has thrived on tribal and regional shenanigans to preserve the Unity Accord signed with the late VP Joshua Nkomo in 1987.

The Unity Accord faces an unyielding danger from the planned new constitution, which is likely to reverse a number of concessions made between Zanu-PF and PF Zapu under a power sharing agreement that saw Zapu members joining Zanu-PF and abandoning the PF Zapu brand.

Zanu-PF'S national leadership faces a tricky situation that might complicate its plans to have elections this year after some of the party's provincial structures were thrown into turmoil, widening divisions within the party, which will celebrate its golden jubilee in August next year.

Despite passing a resolution declaring zero tolerance to the imposition of candidates at its December 2011 conference, Zanu-PF insiders claim that party bigwigs were back to their old habits in desperate attempts to influence the power dynamics within the party.

Interestingly, the bigwigs have met their match in the form of the young turks or members of the so-called :Generation 40" who strongly believes it is their time to rise through the ranks.

In an indication that all is not well in Zanu-PF ahead of polls, divisions at provincial levels are widening instead of narrowing.

Meanwhile, the Constitution Select Committee yesterday said it has completed revising all the chapters of the draft constitution that will be presented to the principals of the inclusive government next week.

The draft contains 18 chapters. Copac co-chairperson Douglas Mwonzora said drafters were now consolidating the second draft.

Co-chairperson Edward Mkhosi expressed hope the draft will reach the principals by Thursday next week.