Only 42% anticipate that citizens’ views will be reflected in the emerging constitution [Q23] – and the rest are evenly split over four categories of ‘neither likely nor unlikely, ‘unlikely’, ‘highly unlikely’ and ‘don’t know’. 62% reckon that the COPAC process has been meaningful – 27%: very meaningful; 35% somewhat meaningful. 8% thought it was devoid of all meaning [Q30]. More constitutional-civic education is necessary before a draft constitution can be taken to a referendum [Q26A]. This could be seen in the context of only 3% of COPAC participants having received civic education before their COPAC engagements [Q22J]. This education was received from a range of party political, church, school and informal networks. There is uncertainty as to whether the COPAC process will produce a constitution that will be good for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe: Agree/strongly agree: 30%; disagree/strongly disagree: 17%; neither: 18%; the balance: variations on ‘don’t know’ [Q26D]. Only 6% of the overall respondents (attendees and non-attendees) reckoned that political parties had been using violence to get their way in the COPAC process [Q28]. Intimidation-informant activities were visible only to a small minority of respondents – spokesperson activity, war veteran intervention and news cars (observers-informants) that came into communities were seen only by a few [Q29A, Q29B]. 4.2 Realism, moderation and high stakes in getting a new constitution Scepticism and moderated expectations prevail. 42% of respondents supported the statement that even the smartest constitution cannot in itself bring Zimbabweans a good-willed, democratic government [Q38A]. A substantial 31%, however, held the opposing view, indicating that there was still some space for optimism about the emerging constitution. Zimbabweans are accustomed to politicians imposing themselves on people, with powers to override constitutional provisions. This process of constitutional override has been facilitated by state security institutions. Zimbabweans realise that a new constitution is not a panacea. There is cynicism pertaining to the authoritarianism and subjugation of constitutions to executive authority of the past. 53% felt that a new constitution would only bring change ‘if it ends the alliance between the president and the security forces’. Only 14% reckoned that the ability of a new constitution to bring change does not depend on ending this alliance [Q38B]. High stakes in getting a new constitution Much is at stake for Zimbabweans in the making and adoption of the new constitution – even economic livelihoods are seen to be dependent on the new constitution [Q29D]. 80% of the respondents say it is essential for the new constitution to protect the right of freedom of expression [Q37C]. Zimbabweans link the emerging constitution to hopes (where they exist) for better safety in a next election – 83% say that a constitution that guarantees rights of freedom of belief, expression and association would make them feel ‘very safe’ (56%) 37