News / Regional
Zanu-PF tell lies about devolution not part of new constitution - MDCs
16 May 2012 at 10:11hrs | Views
THE MDC co-chairs of the Parliamentary Constitutional Select Committee (COPAC) have dismissed as "damn lies" claims by their Zanu PF counterpart that devolution of power will not form part of the new constitution.
Zanu PF's Paul Mangwana told state media that COPAC had reached an agreement over most of the sticking issues holding up the constitutional reforms including devolution and dual citizenship.
He claimed the committee had thrown out devolution, after agreeing the principle was divisive.
But his MDC counterparts accused him of misrepresenting the Committee deliberations and insisted debate was continuing on devolution.
"Devolution of power has not been rejected," said Edward Mkhosi, of the MDC led by Welshman Ncube. "We are still to reach a conclusion on the matter.
"It's a lie, a damn lie that it has been rejected. We will meet again tomorrow (Wednesday) and next week over the issue."
Douglas Mwonzora, from Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC-T party, also insisted discussions were continuing.
The MDC formations are pushing for inclusion of devolution in the constitution but face stiff resistance from Zanu PF which argues the principle is divisive and not necessary for a country of Zimbabwe's geographic and demographic size.
COPAC is under pressure to speed up the constitutional reforms which have been held back by the lack of funds and constant haggling between the political parties.
Once completed, the constitution will be put to a national referendum leading to general elections to end the coalition government formed following disputed elections in 2008.
President Robert Mugabe, who insists new polls must be held this year, has threatened to name an election date if delays in the constitutional reforms continue.
The Zanu PF leader has also warned his party would reject the new constitution if it includes disagreeable provisions.
Zanu PF's Paul Mangwana told state media that COPAC had reached an agreement over most of the sticking issues holding up the constitutional reforms including devolution and dual citizenship.
He claimed the committee had thrown out devolution, after agreeing the principle was divisive.
But his MDC counterparts accused him of misrepresenting the Committee deliberations and insisted debate was continuing on devolution.
"Devolution of power has not been rejected," said Edward Mkhosi, of the MDC led by Welshman Ncube. "We are still to reach a conclusion on the matter.
"It's a lie, a damn lie that it has been rejected. We will meet again tomorrow (Wednesday) and next week over the issue."
Douglas Mwonzora, from Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC-T party, also insisted discussions were continuing.
The MDC formations are pushing for inclusion of devolution in the constitution but face stiff resistance from Zanu PF which argues the principle is divisive and not necessary for a country of Zimbabwe's geographic and demographic size.
COPAC is under pressure to speed up the constitutional reforms which have been held back by the lack of funds and constant haggling between the political parties.
Once completed, the constitution will be put to a national referendum leading to general elections to end the coalition government formed following disputed elections in 2008.
President Robert Mugabe, who insists new polls must be held this year, has threatened to name an election date if delays in the constitutional reforms continue.
The Zanu PF leader has also warned his party would reject the new constitution if it includes disagreeable provisions.
Source - ND
