SW Radio Africa (London)
Violet Gonda
30 June 2009
The quest for a new constitution has begun in Zimbabwe and many exiles are demanding that they be allowed to make a contribution to the formulation of the constitution. It is understood that the Diaspora population is around four million - a figure that now exceeds the population of some of the provinces in Zimbabwe. It is because of this that groups like the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF) has started a campaign to ensure that the voices of those abroad are reflected, especially on issues regarding dual citizenship and voting rights.
While the former ZANU PF government encouraged the Diaspora community to send much needed money home through the 'Homelink Money Transfer' system, the regime didn't set up facilities to allow the exiled community to vote.
ZEF Executive Director Gabriel Shumba said any constitution outcome will not be legitimate, if there is no Diaspora contribution, as a third of the Zimbabwean population would have been neglected. Shumba was speaking after a 'Diaspora Constitutional Symposium' held in South Africa at the weekend. Scores of Zimbabweans and organisations attended and it was resolved that they are an indispensable player in the reconstruction of Zimbabwe. The ZEF pressure group organised the conference, which was graced by the Minister of Constitutional Affairs Eric Matinenga, labour leaders and other stakeholders.
According to the ZEF, Minister Matinenga acknowledged the importance of those who live outside the country in the constitution making process. Shumba said resolutions formulated at the end of the one day symposium included the setting up of a Diaspora representative structure to engage with the Parliamentary Select Committee on the constitution and the Minister; the setting up of a website to put forward ideas regarding expectations; and emailing submissions to the Parliamentary Select Committee.
Pressure groups like the National Constitutional Assembly and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions insist the formulation of the new constitution must be people driven and the weekend forum also called for extensive civic education on the proposed new constitution. Delegates said a new constitution should decentralise the powers of the Executive, ensure there is an independent judiciary, a free media and a truth and justice commission.
Shumba said what was key for the stakeholders was the issue of dual citizenship, as many in the exiled community want to continue to work abroad but still remain Zimbabwean and able to contribute to the political process back home. Currently Zimbabweans also lose their rights to vote if they stay outside their constituency for two years and the feeling among the participants was that the Diaspora should be allowed to cast their votes in general elections from outside the country.
Currently there is no consensus on the issue of using the Kariba Draft Constitution, crafted by the political parties in 2007, as a reference point. In this document there is no provision for dual citizenship. Legal experts like NCA Chairman Dr Lovemore Madhuku have described the Kariba Draft as a dangerous document that should not be used as a basis for any new constitution.
Shumba also said this draft does not recognise the Diaspora vote and entrenches too many powers in the President. He said: "Any new constitution that comes out as a product of the Kariba Draft will be rejected. The Draft was created by three political parties to the exclusion of civil society, church groups and other interested groups."
Meanwhile the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum plans to hold similar symposiums in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and possibly the United Kingdom.
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