HARARE, May 22 (Xinhua) -- President Robert Mugabe on Wednesday signed the Constitutional Amendment Bill into law, paving the way for the replacing of the current constitution crafted on the eve of the country's independence from Britain 33 years ago.
This brings a process that started almost four years ago closer to the end, as only a few processes are left before sections of the new constitution start operating in tandem with the current one, while alignment of other sections will also take place.
In his address at the signing ceremony at State House, Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga said: "This is a historic event. This document will lead us into the future."
The document now awaits publication in the Government Gazette when some sections come into force, while others will become effective on the day the President-elect will assume office.
Publication will take place any time from now, setting the path straight towards fresh elections, although Mugabe's partners in the inclusive government want them delayed until some reforms have been implanted in some areas, particularly in the public media and security sector.
Some of the sections to come into effect on publication day include those that deal with citizenship, declaration of rights, legislature, elections, judiciary and the courts, public administration and leadership, local government and a portion of the conduct of members of the security service.
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