An Analysis On The Constitutional Development Of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is an inland country and it was well-known as an important tradecenter in the Middle Ages. On18th April1980, Zimbabwe nominated by a famousrelic became independent and the first country which is named by ancient relic. Therewas no Constitution or other constitutional documents before colonial rule. Forconsolidating colonial rule and reinforcing colonial plunder, the colonist enacted aseries of constitutional documents. In1980, Zimbabwe became independent and it’sconstitutionalism experienced a transformation from parliamentary republic system tothe president’s cabinet. To be specific, at the early stage (1980-1987) the regime isparliamentary republic system and the constitutionalism is a kind of imitation andpractice with colonialism. In October1987, the parliament of Zimbabwe passed aconstitutional amendment which abolished the system of seat reservation for the whiterace in legislative assembly in the senate and the house of representatives. Thisamendment canceled the position of prime minister and created the position ofexecutive president as the head of state, the chief of government and the commanderof the Ministry of National Defense. During the period of1988to2008, the regime ofZimbabwe transformed from parliamentary democracy to special presidential cabinet,a mixture of parliamentary system and presidential system，therefore this period is keyto the development of constitutionalism after independence. Zimbabwe launched aseries of constitutional campaign during the period of multi-party ruling, for instance,enactment of constitutional amendment in2009and new constitution voted by allcitizen which had signify effects on the realization of political democratization inZimbabwe.In general, there are three characteristics in the development of constitutionalismof Zimbabwe, that is, emphasis on sovereignty, being influenced by western countriesespecially the western constitutional government system and excessive power whichleaders have. Weather the new convention enacted in2013can be implemented is stilla question.