After the first meeting, the Zanu-PF negotiator and Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa said that the party was happy with 97 percent of the draft.
But in a sign that the party had hardened its position in response to complaints that the project would take away most of President Mugabe’s powers, Rugare Gumbo, spokesman for Zanu-PF said that the draft bill was different from the national reports which contained the public views. "We stick to what people had said and you will see the difference," he said. "We certainly hope to complete the draft on Wednesday because we are left with the compilation and editing of what was said" he added.
Paul Mangwana, who is the Zanu-PF parliamentary committee representative on the Constitution, said it would not be possible to rush into taking a position on the proposed bill. "As a party we are always looking for solutions and no one should rush because this is an important document that will govern the people of Zimbabwe," he added.
Zanu-PF has been accused of blocking the process of constitution-making by taking too much time.
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) fears that President Mugabe is using the old constitution - amended 19 times - to call for new elections that he wanted held this year, but was discouraged by regional leaders who were demanding for reforms before elections are held.
The MDC has approved the draft bill. A referendum on the new constitution will be followed by new elections scheduled for next year.