Law Society of Zimbabwe condemns Constitutional Amendment effort

The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has condemned the current efforts by the Executive to amend the eConstitution.  The LSZ  views the proposed amendments as a way of bringing back section 84 of the Lancaster House Constitution.  They also feel that the amendment is retrogressive and “does not seek to improve good governance”

Excerpts of the statement read:

We believe there could be weaknesses with the current composition of JSC. The Law Society however strongly believes those weaknesses can be addressed to reflect the values of transparency, fairness and objectivity. In correcting the weaknesses, the Executive need not usurp the functions currently reposed in the JSC and place them under an authority with no accountability to anyone or any other institution. The amendment does not seek to improve good governance.

The LSZ also questioned the timing of the amendment and government’s decision to suspend the constitution in order to amend it:

The timing of the amendment is equally disconcerting as it comes when a constitutionally mandated process was already underway. In an unprecedented manner the Executive has sought the suspension of the operation of the Constitution in order to allow the proposed amendment to pass through. This approach is wrong and unlawful. The Constitution is the Supreme law of Zimbabwe. All other laws and directives are subordinate to it.

Real Full Statement Here