By Lance Guma
08 July 2010
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has dismissed ongoing public hearings for a new constitution as a mockery to the people of Zimbabwe, because it had “become even clearer that political parties are in charge of the process.”
In a statement signed by Secretary General Wellington Chibebe, the union said the process, dogged by chaos, was meant to be a “national affair” but was now being manipulated by the three political parties in the coalition government.
“Ordinary Zimbabwean voices have been stifled as the political party positions take centre stage. Party supporters are being spoon fed what to say at the meetings while violence has also marred the process. Not much publicity has taken place hence very few people will be able to participate,” the ZCTU statement read.
The union slammed what it called “greed” taking centre stage in the process. The statement said: “The process is more of a money-making venture than serious business. At first it was demands by MPs for allowances of US$100 a day, when the demands hit a brick wall the days for the outreach were subtly increased to 88 from 65. We pity the donor community that has seemingly thrown their money down the drain.”
The ZCTU meanwhile denied accusations that it, the National Constitutional Assembly and a faction of the Zimbabwe National Students Union were acting as spoilers. “We shudder to think what is awaiting us during the drafting stage when the three political parties present their positions. Events unfolding have vindicated our position, and history will be the best judge,” the union added.
SW Radio Africa spoke to Chibebe on Thursday and asked him what their preferred alternative process would entail. He told us the country had to “abandon this wasteful process” and focus on a 20th amendment to the constitution, which would pave the way for another presidential election.
Chibebe said the parliamentary and council elections in March 2008 were never contested and that focus should be on resolving the dispute over the presidential election. Once a legitimate government is in place this would appoint an independent commission to oversee the drafting of a new constitution, he said.
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