Zimbabwe Constitutional Draft Completed, Daily News Reports

A draft copy of Zimbabwe’s new constitution should be completed by the end of this month, ending two years of national debate, the Daily News said, citing the Constitution Select Committee, known as Copac.

The newly drafted constitution will be submitted to a stakeholders’ conference held by Zimbabwe’s political parties and civil society organizations before being sent to parliament, the Harare-based Daily News said on its website. Following parliamentary approval, Zimbabwe will hold a national referendum to either reject or approve the constitution.

The Southern African Development Community ordered Zimbabwe’s political parties to share power after elections in 2008 were deemed flawed. SADC also demanded a new constitution be drafted and approved by referendum before elections are held.

To contact the reporter on this story: Brian Latham in Johannesburg at blatham@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Antony Sguazzin in Johannesburg at asguazzin@bloomberg.net.