The main political parties in Zimbabwe have finished writing the draft constitution, an important step towards the next general election.
The finance Minister Tendai Biti told parliament last Wednesday that after years of intense process the draft constitution was now available. He underscored that that this was an essential document which is based on a process of solid modern jurisprudence.
A referendum on the new constitution would be held possibly next year before the general elections after consideration by the stakeholders in a conference scheduled to take place next month (August).
Thorny questions
Two years ago writing a new constitution began but was delayed by disagreements within the inclusive government of President Robert Mugabe that was formed in 2009.
The new constitution was one of the main provisions of the Global Political Agreement signed by President Mugabe and his former adversaries, including Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, following the 2008 elections.
Among the thorny issues agreed upon by the parties is to limit presidential term to two terms of five years.
President Mugabe is free to run for a seventh consecutive term that could take his reign to 30 years. This is after the clause to disqualify candidates over 70 years which was seen as targeting the 88 year President was abolished.
The parties agreed on the devolution of power that will see each of the 10 provinces with a legislature composed of legislators from the region.
The Meetings will also select the governors of the provinces, with the consent of the President.
Dual citizenship was also made constitutional thus coming as a welcome relief to millions of Zimbabweans who fled due to the economic crisis that began a decade ago.
ZANU-PF of President Mugabe was against dual citizenship, saying that most Zimbabwean exiles found refuge in Western countries that are hostile to Zimbabwe.