Constitution should reflect views of the people says Mugabe

President Robert Mugabe on Monday said people's views gathered during the outreach stages of the constitution-making process should be respected and enshrined in the proposed new supreme law of the land.

The draft constitution, which was produced last month, has come under fire from analysts who contend that it ignored the views of the people, Zimbabwe's New Ziana reported.

While the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formations have endorsed the draft constitution, the ruling party Zanu PF has recommended amendments on some issues.

Addressing thousands of people who thronged the National Heroes Acre to commemorate Heroes Day, Mugabe said the new constitution should not deviate from what the people of Zimbabwe want.

"We have agreed that irrespective of the lessons and help we may have received from others who have worked on their constitutions, their experiences can only be illustrative and never supplant or replace our perspectives as Zimbabweans," he said.

"Our constitution should unashamedly reflect Zimbabwean values, no less, no more!"

Mugabe also underscored the need to maintain peace in the country during the remaining phases of the constitution-making process and the next general elections.

He said people should be free to support a political party of their choice, highlighting the need to respect each other in spite of political differences.

He said a peaceful environment was necessary if the country was to maintain its economic recovery efforts.

"I wish to urge all Zimbabweans, all political parties, religious groups, civil society and other institutions to desists from engaging in violent campaigns during elections," said President Mugabe.

"Let us fully embrace peaceful, tolerant and non-violent ways of campaigning before, during and after the actual conduct of elections.

"We do not need to be reminded that economic stabilisation and sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved unless there is peace in the country."

The Heroes Day commemorations in Harare were attended by several top government officials from across the political divide, including Vice President Joyce Mujuru, Prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister professor Arthur Mutambara.