Parliamentary Monitor Newsletter Issue 9.13

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2 May, 2013. issue 2.8

Parliamentary Monitorarliamentary Monitor

www.pmtz.org our parliament our voice paramende yedu izwi redu Ipalamente yethu ilizwi [email protected]

Manipulation of the con-stitution must be criminal-ised to allow full respect of the constitution by every-one. Everyone shouldabide by the supreme lawof the land—a respondentto our survey question.

The Bottom-line

A Weekly e A Weekly e--Newsletter Published by the Parliamentary Monitoring Trust of ZimbabweNewsletter Published by the Parliamentary Monitoring Trust of Zimbabwe

The new constitutionprovides Zimbabwewith a blue print tolook into the future of our country. The issueof presidential powers,

terms of president,role of women, bill of rights were well articu-lated so I think that’s

the best way forward.However they is noconstitution which issuper and hence it isbound to amendmentsto suite the statusquo— A respondent toour survey question.

Ordinary Voices

Xtra-ordinary Impact

In this issue

What they said 2

Village Observer 2

Social Media 3

Back Page 4

After the Referendum, After the Referendum,

What Do we Expect? What Do we Expect?

We posed the question: Going forward do you think the New

Constitution gives solutions to our political problems/

conicts? A nd we got several and interesting observations. What

we observed from the people who responded and 56 of them in-

cluded in this publication, is that the people of Zimbabwe may not

be constitutional experts but they know what they want fromthose entrusted with upholding the constitution. The image above

shows the responses , through a word cloud an it is evident that

the people of Zimbabwe know the issues they want addressed. A

casual look shows that the words which were consistent with re-

spondents include Constitution, Power, Parties, President,

Respect, Document, Political and constitutionalism.



Page 2 P a r l i a m e n t a r y M o n i t o r 2 May, 2013. issue 2.8

The village,our village,is a peace-ful place.Save for anoccasionalshout,

maybefrom the women

calling each other to go to the well orthe kraalhead’s messenger announc-ing a meeting. We hold our own theo-ries, most of them aimed at giving ex-planations to things we do not under-stand. Most of us did not read bigbook that explain almost all events onearth. As such, we still believe puttingon a red clothing item attracts light-

ening. These beliefs and theories are very much embedded in our thinkingand everyday business. We also usebasic pointers, like mist on the localhill, as a sign it will rain. A swallowpresages rains. We are simple. Ourpiece has however been disturbed by the noise coming from politicians.They have invaded every space. Theborehole, footbridge, church, businessplace and schools. They come in with

an air of knowing all about our ways.They make suggestions, on how tomake our life easier. They tell us weneed more bridges. Matigari, my friend, has also been startled by theinvasion of these cheats. Most in the village expected him to at least raise a

nger and protest but he kept quiet.The villagers kept quiet. We all keptquiet. The politicians, have starteddoing lots of unnecessary things in thearea. Kraalheads in the village havebeen given cellphones and suits. A footbridge has been constructedacross a seasonal stream. This willhelp our children cross on the way toschool. But I don’t remember a day when our children failed to go toschool because of a ooded river.

More things are coming. They tell us,this is development. Then last week,Matigari said something that openedmy eyes. “When was the last timethese lackeys were around? What spe-cial event, national was about to takeplace? What special event is about totake place?” asked my friend, Matigari.His conclusion was that, our peacehad been disturbed because the politi-cians were eyeing reelections. This is a

cycle Matigari said, which characteriseour politics. For us in the village, po-litical participation has been madeseasonal. Actually we have been madeto participate at the beck and call of the politicians, the same people we aresupposed to be assessing. Elections

should be one of the various ways of partaking in our politics but the politi-cians capitalise on our disinterested-ness and make us take part on theirterms. Elections should be a time toreward or punish them, but it is a timefor them to tell us to give them anoth-er mandate to lie to us. Meanwhile,life in the village continues, childrenplay at the new footbridge because theriver has since dried up. The womencontinue to call each other towards

sunset to go and fetch water. Thekraalhead’s messenger continues tomove around the village calling formeetings. The kraalhead cannot usehis cellphone because we do not havethe gadgets. And one womansummed it last week when she said, “If we had been consulted, we wouldhave wanted a borehole which we usedaily than a footbridge where there isno river.”

This week we continue with the views expressed

by respondents to our survey. We have chirped 56

from the block and we strongly believe that they

represent the general thinking among respond-

ents whom we also believe are a representative

sample of the voting population in Zimbabwe. It

is very evident that Zimbabweans know what theconstitution making process, with all its aws,

meant. As Zimbabweans we have seized this as a

moment to redene how we do our politics. It is

clear from the responses that some of the re-

spondents have become pessimistic about

how we respect the constitution which can

be attributed to our past. Going forward, it is clear

that as Zimbabweans we want a Rule of Law, Con-

stitutionalism, Checks and Balances on Power.

We have placed so much faith in the new docu-

ment and it is our belief that the leaders, current

and those to come, would be rational enough to

listen to what the people want. As Zimbabweans we are so much eager to see this process come to

nalization. We know that the few processes left

would be in the hands of Parliamentarians whom

we take to be reasonable enough not to go against

the will of the 3 million plus people who gave the

constitution a thumps up.

We are talking to power, hope it listens



After the referendum we asked, through asurvey, the question:

Going forward do you thinkthe New Constitution givessolutions to our politicalproblems/conicts? 1. Yes and No. some issues havebeen deferred for ten years. we also need torespect the constitution. Constitutionalism

2.

Astep forward

3. yes its a better document but notthe best 4. Its a starting point for nationalorder ,healing and political depolirisation ,i wouldnt say its a solution bt it provides aframework of guiding principles whichmay be fundamental in providing checksand balances towards implementation of measures aimed at solving our politicalproblems.. WHAT MATTERS IS LEADERSHONOURING THE DOCUMENT CON-TENTS

5. Truth be told, i never read the

document.

6. Not in major way as this is anissue of policies that the Government inpower at that time would implement, how-ever it does provide a fair playing eld andmore transparent systems. 7. I dnnt think it provides solutionsas long as zanu pf controls the levers of power.I think to do with the application of the rule of law will not be observed be-cause the security sector would still workunder instruction from zanu and the forceshave abandoned their love for zanu andthus they will remain partisan in the dis-

charge of their duties.Violence will returnbecause it is zanu pfs trump card.Hatespeech and access to the electronic media

will not be oered to the other players. 8. We have to wait and see, other-

wise, if ti is given a chance it can solvemany of our problems,eg good governance 9. That is if it is used because thereare some who seems to be above it. 10. Yes. It provides a democraticframework which will be a good startingpoint for the resolution of our problems.

11. it doesnt give solutions to ourpolitical problems/conicts.it focuses ondealing with individuals and not nationalgoals and prospects. 12. not really ,a constitution is just apiece of paper. 13. The constitution is ne but theleadership does not follow what is in theconstitution and this is where the problemlies. Political leaders are too greedy andforget the general population. They keep

everyone poor while a minority is stinkingrich so this defeats the purpose of the con-stitution success. 14. I don't think it solves the prob-lems we have currently because the presi-dent of the country still have too muchpower with him, Never trust a man withpower. 15. Not as long as we do not practiceconstitutionalism. Which is the case rightnow. 16. no because the constitution doesnot mean anything if we don't implementits statues.

17.

Not real because very few of ourcountrymen really know what it entails. 18. Yes it does. The introduction of proportional representation will reduce theincidences of political violence in the sensethat there will be no individual campaignsbut organizational campaigns for thoseproportionally represented seats. 19. No, still too much power is vestedin the executive president and as such di-lutes everything else the proponents matthink is positive. the problem we have ishaving too much power in an individual

who then acts as a god, with appointeddemi

-gods

20. NOT NECESSARILY BECAUSETHERE IS NO RESPECT FOR THE RULEOF LAW, THIS IS ANOTHER PIECE OFPAPER WHICH CAN BE DISCARDED ASIN THE PAST

21. Devolution, yes. But implementa-tion will always be our achiles heel. 22. if it is being followed properly

without protecting others 23. No, i dont think so. The leaders of

political parties are responsible for ourproblems. 24. our era and generation maybesatised but someday things like presiden-tial executive powers should be clippedbecause they idolise "godise" the presidentas it gives the president to do as he wishes

25. its not to say it gives solution butthat its a step into the right direction ascompared to the one we had. 26. Its a starting point. Constitutions

evolve over time to meet the needs of peo-ple

27. Yes it promotes co-existenceamongst zimbabweans. 28. i think it is broder...but. there aresome chapters which needs to be clarri-ed...id give it 50%

29. i don't think so- the problem isMugabe's penchant for power 30. No.there is no equality before thelaw between zpf and the mdc.voter regis-tration in favour if zpf is high versus mdcperceived voters 31. yes! Because, we ar th authors of

ths constitution. Many of us were js sailing wthout direction including me. Th formerconst ws tampered to suit personal desires.Had it remained unchanged, it ws goin tobe sour evn to thoz who amended it in caseth othr party ruled. Now tht th former rul-ing party so th possibilit of lozing power, iit hs cme aboard for fearing to b victims of their amendments by th oth gvt. Its unfor-tunat tht many ppl ddnt go thru th const fo

various reasons, bt it empowers citizensand not individuals. 32. the new constitution provideszimbabwe with a blue print to look intothe future of our country.the issue of presi-dential powers,terms of president,role of

women,bill of rights were well anticulatedso i think thats the best way for-

ward.however they is no constitution which is super and hence it is bound toamendments to suite the status quo

33. The costitution is the boundery no one wil cross the agreed rules

which we 'members of the

Virtual Public Gallery ……. Page 3P a r l i a m e n t a r y M o n i t o r

2 May, 2013. issue 2.8

Using Social Media to Monitor Parly PMTZ’’s facebook group Parliamentary Monitor is an interactive virtual public gallery where instead of being spec-

tators, citizens raise issues and seek solutions. As part of the integration of the social media platform and this e-

newsletter, we take excerpts of some of the posts on the facebook group and share with others.

Feedback? [email protected]



P a r l i a m e n t a r y M o n i t o r 2 May, 2013. issue 2.8 Page 4

PMT Zimbabwe promotes openness, active participation, debate, engagement and respects divergence of

views. In view of this, PMT Zimbabwe encourages the posting of stories, commentaries, reports, documents

and links (embedded or otherwise) on its s ite and facebook page. However, these postings do not in any way,

shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such

posted material or parts therein. In some extreme circumstances, our monitoring team may be

compelled to pull down or delete oending postings. www.pmtz.org / [email protected]/

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pulbic' implemented; the old constitution were based on what those who killed pple;they were all protected

34. No Still Human Rights Fighters arearrested for ghting the good ght 35. It should because all parties wereagreable

36.

There i lot of work that still needsto be done, our problems are constitutionalbut political 37. To an extent, as this depends on thepoliticians respecting the constitution. 38. Yes if security forces abide by thelaw and ellectroral reforms put in place,onmedia,police stop arresting mdc-t ocials ,supporters and civic organisations 39. It looks very feasible, but political

will must be demonstrates by all parties. Atleast the new constitution brings hope andcreates a starting point. Manipulation of theconstitution must be criminilised to allow

full respect of the constitution by everyone.Everyone should abide by the supreme law of the land. 40. To same extent 41. To an extent it does by setting asidethe Lancaster document on which the dicta-torship was built, it gives those akin to impu-nity a lot to think about before they act. Thepersecution of Mtetwa might be their lastfeast. 42. It doesn't,it was a negotiated consti-tution among the 3 political parties of whicha constitution shld b pple driven. 43. Only when constitutionalism isupheld. For as long as we have uneven politi-cal playing eld, the constitution becomesanother aspiration document. 44. Not at all. It is an issue of attitude.To me it is just a paper guiding those inoce for it is a document usually designed to

benet the rulers than the ruled. For it simp-ly has stamped the policy of one politicalparty and somehow sang songs of an imagi-native state wished by all humanity. I see itas being a divisive rather than unifying paperas it favours the female side to a large extent.I see it producing rather a careless, unloving

and disrespectful society. I voted just to havethe current kind of government to come toan end. It gives us space to do things by our-selves without interference of external'failing' and 'disappointing states/nations' 45. no ..president with sweeping pow-ers ..week institutions..vague bill of rights onsome areas 46. No, it's clear that the powers thatbe will behave with impunity regardless of the letter of the law

47. no, but its one step towards democ-racy 48. Am inclined to think so. But based

on the fact that we did have a constitution,before this new one came, it's hard to tell.For example, does the old or current consti-tution allow for the massive corruption weare seeing in the police etc? I don't think inZimbabwe it's a matter of the constitutionbut a matter of how closely we follow thatconsitution

49. The new Constitution is a goodbasis for creating strong institutions. Thefollow-up legislative process needs to be ro-bust and consultative. 50. yes some, devolution of power, andthe limit of presidential terms. 51.

Executive powers vested in the

presidency present a sever challenge to Zim-babwean society. 52. Yes 53. Well yap l think it will,bt still Mu-gabe got a lot of powers,they should trimmed

them a lil bit,and the death penalty its notgood

54. It was suppose to give solutions toour political problems but i don't see it hap-pening any time soon because some politicalparties doesn't respect the will of the people ,

why the arrests of MDC members in prime

ministers oce , why the arrests of humanrights defender Beatrice Mtetwa while she isconducting her work , why searching theprime ministers oce without a warrant didthey ever searched the president's oce thatis disrespect at it's highest level , i doubt if they can respect the new constitution , westill have a long way to go . 55. The constitution is a work-in-

progress. It's not 100% but the most im-portant element is creating a conducive envi-ronment so that reforms can take place. 56. No not at all. Just look at happened

with Beatrice Mtetwa and them the very next

day.

Madisnyongoro of theMadisnyongoro of the

WeekWeek

The media has a function in every society. Most media practitioners,

occupy a privileged role and access leaders in societies. It is mainly

because of this role that the public believes what the media tells

them. Equally important is the watchdog and agenda setting roles

of the media. However, our media has evolved into mouthpieces of

political parties, conveyors of party slogans and an uncritical report-age. For this, the media becomes our Madisnyongoro of the week.

+263 738 577 576

Who may register as a vot-

er?

You may register as a voter if you are a citizen of Zimbabwe

and 18 years of age or over.

If you wish to register on aconstituency roll you must be

resident in that constituency.

Source: Zimbabwe Electoral

Commission

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Parliamentary Monitor Newsletter Issue 9.13