Zimbabwe's MPs are to vote on changes to the constitution to strengthen government control over land. Most attention has focused on the plan to deny the right of appeal to farmers whose land has been seized during the upheavals of the past five years. Another clause would allow the government to confiscate the passports of those deemed to pose a threat to national security. | That would be anyone who disagrees with Bob |
Critics have condemned the proposals as an attack on fundamental rights. Lawmakers will also vote on the plan to create an upper chamber of parliament.
President Robert Mugabe has repeatedly changed the constitution during his 25 years as Zimbabwe's leader. But these are the most wide-ranging amendments ever put forward, including a proposal to bring private schools under state control. Most attention, though, has focused on the clause to deny the right of appeal to farmers whose land has been seized. The government says it will conclude the land question. The opposition says the move would further undermine property rights, deepening the country's economic crisis.
The Law Society of Zimbabwe has joined the criticism, condemning the proposals as an undisguised assault on the rights of citizens. It concludes that the plans would seriously erode if not remove rights to property, protection of the law and freedom of movement. President Mugabe needs virtually all his supporters in parliament to turn up and vote in favour of the amendments if he's to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. |