Alert: Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No 17
July 20th, 2005
Please note that this Bill not only provides for the re-establishment of the Senate under different conditions, but also intends to nationalise farmland identified for acquisition before 8 July 2005 and prevent claims for compensation, legalise discrimination for affirmative action, outlaw activity including travel perceived to be against economic or public interest of the state, etc.
This Bill was gazetted on Friday 15 July and can be debated in Parliament a minimum of 30 days after that date, ie any time from Friday 12 August.
It should be remembered that the people expressed a strong desire for a NEW PEOPLE-DRIVEN CONSTITUTION in the process leading up to the Referendum in February 2000, and they rejected the version prepared by the government-led Consitution Commission because it ignored their wishes and inputs in certain critical areas – eg presidential powers.
Here is another chance for THE PEOPLE to take over the process of constitutional reform, which is the key to moving Zimbabwe out of the current political and economic deadlock towards a new, democratic order.
* Sokwane
le note: this sent to us by email earlier today
