/ 20 September 2010

Zim constitution meetings halted by violence

Zim Constitution Meetings Halted By Violence

Zimbabwean lawmakers in charge of a constitutional reform programme say their public canvassing was halted after weekend violence disrupted several gatherings.

Panel member Douglas Mwonzora said on Monday the meetings would be postponed indefinitely.

At least five people were injured in clashes and stone-throwing between rival party supporters in one Harare township on Sunday. Four other meetings across Harare were abandoned, the panel said.

Riot police were posted on Monday at sites of the disturbances.

Under a two-year-old coalition agreement between long-time rivals President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, the former opposition leader, a new constitution must be drawn up before fresh elections can be held, possibly next year. — Sapa-AP