Zimbabweans to mentor Nepal on constitution making

Former COPA co-chairpersons Paul Mangwana and Douglas Mwonzora are set to mentor Nepal on constitution making processes.

Erik Brogger Rasmussen, charge' d'Affaires of the Royal Danish Embassy in Harare, said the two had proved to the world that they had what it takes to come up with a good constitution despite political tensions.

"There is overwhelming appreciation that Mangwana and Mwonzora managed to come up with an acceptable supreme law of the land out of a highly polarised political environment. Following this achievement, the two will impart their knowledge to Nepal as that country prepares for a constitution making process," said Rasmussen.

But he noted with concern that, despite Mwonzora and Mangwana's efforts, Zimbabwe still had a long way to go regarding implementation of the provisions of the constitution. He urged the government to put aside political differences and fully implement the constitution, in the best interest of the nation and future generations.

He said his country was pleased with the Zimbabwe constitution, but remained worried about the delayed implementation. "Constitutionalism is crucial for Zimbabwe, like other nations, to realise its full potential. I believe that development and state building must be based on human rights as enshrined in the constitution. The country has enormous potential in its people, all that is needed is respect for democratic values, inclusion and transparency," Rasmussen said.