Constitution of Zimbabwe

Constitution of Zimbabwe. The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe plays a crucial role in interpreting the Supreme law of the land, which was drafted by the Constitutional Parliamentary Committee and Copac. The Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front and the Movement for Democratic Change were key stakeholders in the drafting process, which was facilitated by the Southern African Development Community and the African Union. The United Nations Development Programme and the European Union also provided technical assistance during the drafting process, which involved extensive consultations with Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai, and other prominent Zimbabwean leaders.

History of the Constitution

The history of the Constitution of Zimbabwe dates back to the Lancaster House Agreement of 1979, which paved the way for the country's independence from British colonial rule. The Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army and the Rhodesian Security Forces were key players in the Rhodesian Bush War, which ultimately led to the signing of the Lancaster House Agreement and the adoption of the first Constitution of Zimbabwe in 1980. The Constitutional Commission of Zimbabwe was established in 1999 to review the Constitution and make recommendations for its amendment, which were later implemented through the 17th Amendment to the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Parliament of Zimbabwe played important roles in the adoption of the new Constitution in 2013, which was facilitated by the Global Political Agreement and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Preamble and Principles

The Preamble to the Constitution of Zimbabwe sets out the fundamental principles and values of the Constitution, including the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights were key influences on the drafting of the Preamble and the Bill of Rights, which were also informed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission are responsible for promoting and protecting the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.

Structure of Government

The Structure of Government in Zimbabwe is established by the Constitution, which provides for a presidential system of government and a bicameral legislature comprising the National Assembly of Zimbabwe and the Senate of Zimbabwe. The Cabinet of Zimbabwe is headed by the President of Zimbabwe, who is assisted by the Vice-President of Zimbabwe and other Ministers of the Government of Zimbabwe. The Judicial Service Commission of Zimbabwe is responsible for the administration of justice in Zimbabwe, which is also supported by the Law Society of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are responsible for maintaining law and order in the country, in accordance with the Zimbabwe Defence Act and the Police Act.

Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights in the Constitution of Zimbabwe enshrines the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Zimbabwean citizens, including the right to life, liberty, and security of the person. The Bill of Rights also protects the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association, as well as the right to a fair trial and the right to equality before the law. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission are responsible for promoting and protecting these rights, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe has the final say on the interpretation of the Bill of Rights, which is also informed by the European Convention on Human Rights and the American Convention on Human Rights.

Amendments and Revisions

The Constitution of Zimbabwe can be amended through a process established by the Constitution itself, which requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly of Zimbabwe and the Senate of Zimbabwe. The Constitutional Parliamentary Committee and the Zimbabwe Parliament are responsible for initiating and processing amendments to the Constitution, which must also be approved by the President of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. The Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front and the Movement for Democratic Change have played important roles in the amendment process, which has been facilitated by the Southern African Development Community and the African Union. The United Nations Development Programme and the European Union have also provided technical assistance during the amendment process, which has involved extensive consultations with Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai, and other prominent Zimbabwean leaders.

Constitutional Application and Enforcement

The Constitution of Zimbabwe is enforced by the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe, which has the final say on the interpretation of the Constitution. The High Court of Zimbabwe and the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe also play important roles in the enforcement of the Constitution, which is supported by the Law Society of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission are responsible for promoting and protecting the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are responsible for maintaining law and order in the country, in accordance with the Zimbabwe Defence Act and the Police Act, and for ensuring that the Constitution is upheld and respected by all Zimbabwean citizens. Category:Constitutions