HARARE - Zimbabwe's new draft constitution has been endorsed by the parliamentary body responsible for writing the constitution (Copac).

Copac yesterday said they have gone through the draft to fix mistakes and will now present it to parliament next week.

Copac co-chairperson Douglas Mwonzora said they had finished analysing the draft.

“The select committee is now finalising its report, which will accompany the draft when it is presented to parliament when the august House resumes its business next week,,” Mwonzora said. Once the report is adopted by Parliament, a publicity exercise to inform and educate Zimbabweans on the contents of the draft will commence. Copac will distribute copies of the draft through out the districts, in 11 local languages and braille.

“The final activity is expected to be completed in about one month and by then the principals are expected to have announced the date of the referendum.”  

President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Industry minister Welshman Ncube agreed to a draft constitution on January 17 after intense haggling.

The UNDP is expected to continue funding the constitution making process.