In a move that could further possibilities of greater citizen participation in the constitution making process, the Constitution Select Committee (COPAC) today, 17 August 2010 launched its long awaited website www.copac.org.zw at the Jameson Hotel, Harare.

The website was officially launched by the Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, Honorable Eric Matinenga who encouraged all Zimbabweans to visit the site and participate in the process. According to Hon. Matinenga, the website provides a platform for Zimbabweans including those living abroad to contribute to the constitution making process and actively interact with COPAC.

According to Honorable Jessie Majome, the COPAC Information and Publicity Chairperson, “the idea of a website was conceived in April 2009 with the formation of COPAC and was informed by Article VI of the GPA which states that it is “the duty of the Zimbabweans to make a constitution by themselves and for themselves”.

The website, according to COPAC, provides all information related to the constitution making process and furnishes users with Talking points, Thematic Briefs and statistics on the ground COPAC has covered so far.

COPAC has indicated that it will embark on a public awareness exercise and rigorous advertising in local and international newspapers to ensure that the estimated 1.2 million Zimbabweans living abroad participate in the process through the site. It was further highlighted that through the website, different organizations and interest groups will be able to submit their views on both the process and content of the constitution.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition commends COPAC’s decision to finally launch the website and encourages all Zimbabweans regardless of their geographical location, political affiliation or gender to participate in the constitution making process through the website.