Copac recalls three drafters

Copac has recalled the three drafters of the new constitution, Mr Brian Crozier, Mr Moses Chinhengo and Ms Priscilla Madzonga to factor in some changes they have made to the initial draft constitution.

There was speculation that the drafters might not be re-engaged in the process following objections by Zanu-PF that they had smuggled their own information into the initial draft.

However, Copac co-chairpersons yesterday confirmed that the drafters have been recalled and will resume work next week.

Copac co-chairperson Cde Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said they had made a number of changes to the initial draft that should be factored in the final draft by the drafters.

"It is correct that we have recalled the drafters.

"They are starting work on Tuesday next week. We have made changes to the whole booklet and I cannot tell the number of changes we have made," he said.

He said the management committee was still seized with issues to do with dual citizenship, death penalty and devolution of power.

Cde Mangwana said the continued haggling over those issues will have a bearing on the completion of the new constitution.

"Those issues are still before the management committee but I can refer you to Cde (Patrick) Chinamasa for further details because he is a member of that committee," he said.

Another Copac co-chairperson Mr Edward Mkhosi, said they projected the drafters to finalise the draft within the next week.

"We have recalled the drafters to come and add the changes that we have made to the initial draft.

"We think that the finalisation of the draft can be completed in one week," he said.

Mr Mkhosi said Copac never discussed the issue of the drafters' contracts as they were satisfied with their work.

He said Copac consistently briefed the inclusive Government's Principals on latest developments through the management committee.

Mr Mkhosi said the death penalty was almost finalised and only a few things around the matter needed to be sorted.

MDC-T Copac co-chairperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora could not be reached on his mobile phone.

The drafting of the new constitution is taking longer than anticipated.

Copac last week indicated that it will embark on another outreach programme before the second all stakeholders' conference.

Completion of the new constitution should pave way for the holding of general elections.

However, President Mugabe has said the country will go to elections with or without a new constitution this year.