Traditional chiefs' powers clipped under the new charter

The powers of traditional chiefs have been clipped under the new constitution draft adopted by Copac on Thursday; ending years of alleged abuse of power by the traditional leaders whom critics say had become Zanu-PF sympathisers.

According to the draft which is set to be presented to parliament for debate next week, the chiefs will no longer have to publicly support any political party and have powers to distribute land, but retain authority to administer communal land.

Elections for the Chiefs' Council will now be conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

If fully implemented, the proposed draft is set to mark the end of partisanship by the traditional leaders who have openly proclaimed their allegiance to Zanu-PF and in most instances fanning violence by discriminating against those perceived to be in opposition to the former sole ruling party.