Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) ahead of the constitutional outreach phase in June, the Government -through Information and Publicity Ministry Permanent Secretary, George Charamba and Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Eric Matinenga- refuted these claims. The laws remain in place and over the period under review, people have been arrested for contravening the draconian laws. On 24 June, three ZZZICOMP observers, Tapera Mavherevhedze, Godfrey Nyarota and Cornelius Chengu were arrested in Mukuni, Manicaland province for allegedly practicing journalism without accreditation in contravention of Section 81 (3) of AIPPA. The three were arrested while observing a COPAC outreach meeting. In January, MDC supporters were arrested in Bindura and Mount Darwin under POSA for holding internal meetings to discuss the constitution without police clearance. At the same time, two Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition monitors Gift Muti and James Gonese were detained and questioned in Mutare for allegedly practicing journalism without accreditation. Political party influence and Interference: Although the GPA clearly stipulates that, ‘it is the fundamental right and duty of the Zimbabwean people to make a constitution by themselves and for themselves’, political parties and concerns have dominated the constitution making process in Zimbabwe. The period under review saw the appointment of rapporteurs on political grounds while political party liaison committees39 were set up with representatives of ZANU PF and the two MDC formations at community level. While it is acceptable that political parties should play a part in the process, it is remise to assume that they are representative of everyone in society and by allowing the process to almost become the preserve of the MDC and ZANU PF, these actions are in direct contravention of the spirit and notion, contained in the GPA, of the sacrosanctity of the people’s right to craft their own constitution. Some political parties, particularly ZANU PF, have gone ahead to coach citizens on what to say during the COPAC meetings. At a meeting held at the Quill Club in Harare on 12 July, both the MDC and ZANU PF40 justified the coaching of citizens arguing that each political party is permitted to lobby its positions. In Mashonaland Central Province there have been numerous reports of people who requested to make opening prayers and sought to influence the flow of discussions through these prayers. For instance at a meeting held at Wynchwood Farm in Mazoe one man made such a request and in the course of his prayer, answered three questions on the Preamble, Bill of Rights and Land. Of greatest concern are the numerous reports of intimidation and coercion of citizens, particularly in the rural areas, by the military, para-military and (mainly ZANU PF) party supporters; with reports of uniformed forces in Chegutu, Masvingo, Matebeland North, Matebeleland South and Manicaland campaigning for the ZANU PF-backed Kariba Draft and threatening MDC supporters with assault. There is widespread evidence that in a bid to silence citizens, ZANU PF launched Operation Chimumumu (Operation Dumbness) where citizens were instructed to remain silent and allow a selected few to contribute during COPAC meetings. Cases of intimidation by ZANU PF were recorded in mostly the Mashonaland provinces.  These committees were set up to disseminate information on COPAC itineraries. 39  The political parties were represented by Jessie Majome (MDC) and Patrick Chinamasa (ZANU PF) 40 CIVIL SOCIETY MONITORING MECHANISM (CISOMM) SIX MONTH SHADOW REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE INCLUSIVE OF ZIMBABWE 29