constituteproject.org PDF generated: 26 Sep 2013, 21:48 CHAPTER 1 FOUNDING PROVISIONS 1 The Republic Zimbabwe is a unitary, democratic and sovereign republic. 2 Supremacy of Constitution (1) This Constitution is the supreme law of Zimbabwe and any law, practice, custom or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid to the extent of the inconsistency. (2) The obligations imposed by this Constitution are binding on every person, natural or juristic, including the State and all executive, legislative and judicial institutions and agencies of government at every level, and must be fulfilled by them. 3 Founding values and principles (1) Zimbabwe is founded on respect for the following values and principles-(a) supremacy of the Constitution; (b) the rule of law; (c) fundamental human rights and freedoms; (d) the nation's diverse cultural, religious and traditional values; (e) recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of each human being; (f) recognition of the equality of all human beings; (g) gender equality; (h) good governance; and (i) recognition of and respect for the liberation struggle. (2) The principles of good governance, which bind the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level, include-(a) a multi-party democratic political system; (b) an electoral system based on-(i) universal adult suffrage and equality of votes; (ii) free, fair and regular elections; and (iii) adequate representation of the electorate; (c) the orderly transfer of power following elections; (d) respect for the rights of all political parties; (e) observance of the principle of separation of powers; (f) respect for the people of Zimbabwe, from whom the authority to govern is derived; (g) transparency, justice, accountability and responsiveness; (h) the fostering of national unity, peace and stability, with due regard to diversity of languages, customary practices and traditions; Zimbabwe 2013 Page 3