Lovemore Moyo under fire

The speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Lovemore Moyo is under fire for his claims that he will use his influence to block the adoption of a new constitution if the process's outcome does not favour his party.

Moyo was quoted addressing party supporters at Brunapeg in Plumtree in Matabeleland South province last week where he said the new constitution will not become law without him appending his signature to it.

His threats against a process that is yet to be completed have been described as an illusion of power and blatant lies.

Political analyst and former diplomat, Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa says Moyo's threats to hold Zimbabweans to ransom indicate attempts to pre-empty the constitution making process currently underway.

"For the Speaker to come out and say he will block the constitution before the process is complete is very wrong. He is pre-empting a process before its conclusion," said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.

Political analyst, Alexander Rusero says Moyo's sentiments are regrettable and unfortunate considering the fact that as Speaker of the House, he should play a facilitatory role rather than uttering politically biased statements that might prejudice the outcome of the constitution making process.

"It is unfortunate and regrettable that Moyo who is the Speaker should be caught uttering such statements which shows that he is already prejudiced," Mr. Rusero said.

The constitution-making process is currently at thematic committee stage where contributions gathered at the outreach stage are being collated.

The process has been characterised by constant bickering with the two MDC formations stalling progress in a move which observers say is a deliberate ploy to delay elections.

Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Robert Mugabe has been on record as saying with or without a new constitution, the country will go for elections this year.