In Zimbabwe, the process of drafting a new constitution has begun. This was a crucial part of the ZANU-PF/MDC agreement and a strict timetable was set out in the agreement between them.

The agreement stated that within two months a committee should be formed to begin drafting a new constitution. This deadline has, in effect been met.

Zimbabwe Times reports that a parliamentary Committee on Standing Rules and Orders has been charged with the process. However, immediately there has been controversy. In the first place, MDC wanted the committee to be co-chaired. Then, civil society organisations criticised the party control of the process and demanded their representation.

It seems as if the demands of civil society are likely to be met and that someone from outside parliament will be selected to chair the committee.

The civil society umbrella organisation that has been influential is the so-called National Constitutional Assembly. This organisation already drafted a new constitution in 2007. It is available from their website. It promotes a figurehead president elected by parliament, a prime minister directly elected by voters at the same time as parliamentary elections in a Guyana-like manner, and the provision for a vote of no-confidence in the PM and cabinet if 3/5ths of parliament approve.