ZANU PF at war with itself over new constitution

Posted by on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in constitution, ZANU PF, Zimbabwe politics | 3 comments

Jonathan Moyo

By Tichaona Sibanda
14 February 2012

Recriminations have broken out in ZANU PF over a clause contained in a draft constitution that appears to bar Robert Mugabe from seeking another term in office, as it emerged some within the party support the move.

Politburo member Jonathan Moyo and Paul Mangwana, representing ZANU PF in the drafting of the new charter, are openly at odds over the way in which a clause in the draft seeks to disqualify the ageing Mugabe. There was more drama on Monday when Goodwills Masimirembwa, who is acting as a special advisor to Mangwana, walked out of a special meeting to review draft chapters.

It is reported Masimirembwa branded Mangwana “a sell out” after his demand for a fresh start to the whole process was ignored. There is also an open war within the party over some of the clauses, especially the one that might prevent Mugabe from standing as a candidate.

That clause states that ‘a person is disqualified for election as President if he or she has already held office for one or more periods, whether continuous or not, amounting to 10 years.’ Mugabe is turning 88 in two weeks time and has served uninterrupted as President since 1987.

Moyo is even demanding the sacking of the three drafters, accusing them of producing a document that threatens the country’s national security.

However analysts point to the fact that ZANU PF is fully represented in COPAC where 10 legislators have taken part in the constitution drafting from the start of the program. The MDC-T is represented by 10 MP’s while the smaller formation of the MDC has two.

Douglas Mwonzora, co-COPAC chairman representing the MDC-T, told SW Radio Africa on Tuesday that it is noticeable that ZANU PF is getting more and more critical of the draft document.

‘I think it’s because it contains things they personally do not want as a political party. That doesn’t mean the clauses are wrong and did not come from the people, Mwonzora explained.

He said: ‘These drafters are very experienced. They were suggested by ZANU PF itself. Names came via Mangwana and some of us had to go and consult over these names.’

The Nyanga North MP and party spokesman made it clear that Moyo is not qualified to talk about the drafting of the constitution as he is not a lawyer, adding: ‘He’s also not academically qualified to do so.’

See leaked draft constitution  COPAC Draft Constitution of Zimbabwe 2012-1.pdf

  • Anonymous

    Vana Jonotan Moyo munoziveikowo kunze kwehungochani?

  • Never moyo

    Anybody who takes political whore, international thief and failed academic Jonathan Moyo seriously is a fool of the greatest order. Moyo is playing with the people and must stand accused of profaning and disrespecting the people of Zimbabwe. Moyo is clearly aware that any reasonable person making a serious constitution for a country cannot say “a person can be a president at eighty and hold unlimited terms” just because Mugabe is that person. That seems to be deliberate immanent reasoning from the ‘disgraced’ Jon Moyo obviously singing for his lunch as they say.Moyo is a shameful person with no ethics and morals. A gold digger, a double dealer, a thief who stole money from the Ford….or is it Rockefeller Foundation and wanted by interpol. If Mr Moyo (or Ms Moyo) wants to include a protection clause to protect the president maybe it would make sense to say ” the term of any president must be ten years only (max) and Nobody above 70 years of age shall become a president of Zimbabwe, but the clause may not apply to reverred father of the nation and son of the soil, Chibwe chitedza His most excellent Excellency RG MUgabe only”. To me that would have made a semblance of sense. Why? Because it is primitive and astoundingly foolish to do illogical things like hiking age of a president just because the person who could be affected happens to be “The Dear Leader and Liberator”. What I am saying is that the constitution must remain in its current form and then ZANU PF can argue that since the consitution is just coming in it may not be hard and fast on their candidate. JONATHAN MOYO IMBOKO CHAIYO. Even the ZANU Pf guys know he is a flip flopper. Mark my words men who get carried by any wind are dangerous.

  • Manje Soo!

    Take Jonathan Moyo seriously at your own risk. This guy is an outpatient from the physcatric ward. I am sure he was mentally damaged at birth. If there is anyone who know his mother (if she is alive) please find out how she gave birth to this man. Even himself, he does not know exactly what he wants. Lets Pray for this mentally challenged man.