Zapu pushes for NO vote

Political parties outside the inclusive government are jittery on the stance to take regarding the draft constitution, adoptions a cautious approach towards the document.

Zapu has come out and said they will push for a NO vote because the draft constitution is a compromised document that failed to capture accurately the views of the people.

Former Zanu-PF politburo member Simba Makoni's Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn party and Job Sikhala's MDC 99 told the Daily News that they are yet to take a stance towards the document.

Sikhala said he is meeting his party's National Executive Council this week to look at the draft paper and make a decision whether to support it or not.

"We will look at whether the proposed constitution advances the democratic agenda or not. We will also check whether it balances the common interests of the people and their aspirations. What is important is that we avoid the 2000 blunder we made as MDC when we voted No for the Chidyausiku draft," Sikhala said.

While some radical elements within his party were calling for the outright opposition of the document, Sikhala said the issue had to be debated at length because the 2000 referendum mistake should not be repeated.

Zimbabwe's last draft constitution referendum was held in 2000 and it was soundly defeated. Analysts and political commentators, however, believe the NO vote was a blunder as there were serious repercussion for the nation.

Joel Mapaura, the communications officer of Mavambo said his party's legal team is set to scrutinise the document and as soon as they finish the public will be notified.

Mark Mbayiwa, the Zapu's Southern region coordinator sang a totally different tune from the two parties and said Zapu will push for a "NO" vote because the document undermines the people.

"We go along with the 40 Matabeleland civic societies that said they will push for a No vote. The most contentious issue that we feel aggrieved with is devolution," Mbayiwa said.

"We don't want a diluted devolution; we want power to the provinces and not half devolution. As Zapu we will definitely campaign for a No Vote," he added.

The mainstream MDC and the smaller MDC which are in the inclusive government have endorsed and adopted the document.

Welshman Ncube leader of the smaller MDC, however, warned that he will not accept any changes to be incorporated into the document because politicians have spoken and it is time for the people to air their views.