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Zimbabwe: President Mugabe announces March 16 as Referendum date on new constitution
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe (pictured) has issued an official proclamation on Friday setting March 16 as the date for the nation to vote on a new constitution ahead of national elections later this year.
A government notice formally published on Friday leaves a calendar month for distribution of the 160-page draft document and campaigning for a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote.
Friday’s notice said polling stations will be opened for 12 hours countrywide at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) on March 16, which is a Saturday.
The draft constitution was completed on February 6 after three years of disputes, bickering and constant delays and funding shortages. Democratic reforms to the constitution were a key demand of regional mediators after the disputed elections in 2008.
About 90,000 copies of the draft are being printed for distribution starting Monday.
Zimbabwe has nearly 6 million registered voters out of a population of 13 million.
Mugabe’s proclamation comes a day after the independent head of the state election commission resigned on grounds of failing health. The commission is in charge of overseeing all voting. Several lengthy formalities are required for its chairman, Judge Simpson Mutambanengwe, to be replaced. His deputy Joyce Kazembe, has been acting for the elderly judge in his recent absences.
