Harare — Members of Parliament across the political divide have given their nod to the constitution-making process, which is set to begin next week after several postponements last year because of logistical problems.

Speaking on the sidelines of a seminar on the constitution-making process in Harare yesterday, the MPs from the three political parties represented in Parliament said they were happy to be involved in the process.

Midlands Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Cde Jaison Machaya said the crafting of a new constitution was historic in that the people of Zimbabwe were prepared to work together in writing the supreme law.

"We are very happy that Zimbabweans have put aside their differences to bring a constitution which is people-driven," he said.

"The source document is academic, what is critical are the contents which we believe are going to have a positive impact to the people."

Mberengwa North Member of the House of Assembly Cde Jabulani Mangena (Zanu-PF) said the training had united MPs and they were looking forward to carrying out the assignment given to them in their constituencies.

"The people always follow their MPs, so this training is a good start for the outreach programme.

"As MPs we are happy that our people will have an opportunity to say what they want without any document guiding them since there won't be any blinkers," he said.

MDC-T's Mr Willias Madzimure said legislators were satisfied with how the process was going and the unity displayed by MPs across the political divide was inspiring.

"We are happy and satisfied with how the process is going. The spirit of inclusiveness currently characterising the process should be appreciated and maintained.

"All MPs are singing from the same hymn book and no one is harbouring discord in this process," said Mr Madzimure, who represents Kambuzuma in the House of Assembly.

He added that MPs were legitimately carrying out their roles in the constitution-making process.

"We are a true representation of people who elected us, so I do not see any reason why we should not be involved," he said.

Mkoba MP Mr Amos Chibaya (MDC-T) said MPs were ready to relay information to their constituencies to make sure people get involved in the process.

"We are raring to go, as you can see from the spirit of inclusiveness that MPs have shown here. We have spoken with one voice across the political divide regarding our commitment to the constitution.

"If MPs had not been involved in this process it would have been difficult to mobilise people in the constituencies," Mr Chibaya said.

Mr Edward Mkhosi of MDC echoed similar sentiments adding that the successful hosting of the seminar deserved commendation.

Mr Mkhosi, who is also a co-chairperson of the Constitution Select Committee, said MPs had shown a high level of discipline, which is a clear sign of political maturity.

"The discipline that MPs have shown today is proof of the seriousness they are attaching to constitutional reform.

"Everyone is ready to go and mobilise their people to make sure they will be involved in this process," Mr Mkhosi said.

According to Article 6 of the Global Political Agreement signed by the three political parties, MPs are tasked with spearheading the crafting of a new people-driven constitution.

MPs will be mobilising people in their constituencies but they would not be allowed to share their views with their constituencies during the process.