New Constitution will address discrepancies in the electoral system

Masvingo - The new constitution will address social, political and economic imbalances, notably the land reforms as well as key policy issues in government, Copac co-chairperson Douglas Mwonzora has said.

Mwonzora who is also the MDC-T spokesperson told members of the civic society at the National Association of Non Governmental Organisation offices here on Saturday that the new constitution seeks to address political, economic and social anomalies ahead of the watershed polls due next year. He added that the Second All Stakeholders conference was scheduled for August while the referendum would be held in October.

"The new constitution will address discrepancies in the electoral system and this includes clearly defining the role of the police force and the military. There is need to come up with sound government policies and this can be achieved through the new constitution. All top government officials must have limited terms of office, especially permanent secretaries in various portfolios. The new constitution also proposes that all elections will be held in the last month at the end of each five year term. It is clear that securocrats are not above the law and traditional leaders will be bound to carry out their duties in an objective manner," said Mwonzora.

Mwonzora said the new constitution will also address the controversy surrounding the fast track agrarian reforms.

"There is a lot of controversy surrounding the fast track land reform programme but in the new constitution, it is clearly defined that there shall be a land commission that will carry out a land audit to ensure a transparent and equitable land distribution programme. Such an exercise will be carried out without looking at one`s political background. The land commission will ensure a one man, one farm policy because the whole exercise seeks to ensure a fair land distribution," Mwonzora said.

"There will be 60 more parliamentary seats and preference will be given to women and there shall also be a constitutional court comprising 7 judges that are appointed by the people.

"The new constitution will also guarantee devolution of power and there shall be a provincial council that will be headed by the provincial governor. The provincial council consists of members of the house of assembly, council chairpersons and mayors from the involved political parties.

"The governor will no longer be appointed by the executive since the party with the majority votes in a particular province will automatically appoint a governor," he added.

On other reforms Mwonzora said, "Citizenship will be accorded by birth irrespective of whether one's parents are aliens.

Speaking about capital punishment, he said: "There are incidents that do not warrant a death penalty and there will be special consideration to that effect."