Copac reaches another deadlockNovember 13, 2012 in NewsTHE constitution-making process reached anotherdead end yesterday after the Copac ManagementCommittee failed to agree on what to do with thedraft constitution and the report of the Second All-Stakeholders’ Conference.Report by Everson MushavaZanu PF wanted the draft constitution and the reportto be presented to the principals and open up newnegotiations on disagreed issues, while the twoMDCs wanted it to be sent to Parliament fordeliberation.The management committee comprises GlobalPolitical Agreement (GPA) negotiators from the threepolitical parties in the inclusive government.Zanu PF was represented by Justice and Legal Affairsminister Patrick Chinamasa and Copac co-chairMunyaradzi Paul Mangwana while co-chair DouglasMwonzora and Energy minister Elton Mangomarepresented Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’sMDC-T party.Regional Integration minister Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, National Reconciliation co-minister MosesMzila-Ndlovu and Copac co-chair Edward Mkosirepresented the MDC led by Welshman Ncube.Mangwana confirmed the deadlock, saying: “We aresaying there is no agreement in all areas and thedraft should be sent to principals for negotiation ondisagreed issues. Our colleagues (the MDCs) wantthe draft and report to go to Parliament with thosegrey issues.”Misihairabwi-Mushonga said Article 6 of the GPA didnot recognise principals in the constitution-makingprocess since they were already represented by themanagement committee.“Copac has produced a draft and should be taken toParliament together with the report of the conferencewhile we prepare for a referendum,” she said.“Zanu PF wants the principals to control the processand we said NO.”Mwonzora also said the constitution-making processwas a parliamentary process and each party wouldhave to consult its leadership to find a way forward.Officially opening Parliament last month, PresidentRobert Mugabe said the principals were now incharge of the process which should lead to elections,although his fiercest rival, Tsvangirai, said he had nointention to take over the process which he said wasdriven by Parliament.