CURRENT NEWS OF THE COMMISSION

The Commission started gathering views on the draft constitution.

(15 January 2002)

After process of explaining to the different categories of Rwandan people what the constitution is and its mains chapters at he end of 2001, twelve (12) members of the commission started gathering views from Rwandans on the draft constitution that will govern Rwanda after the Transition period.

This process of gathering views on the draft constitution was publicly launched by the President of the Commission in a consultation meeting with the members of the commission and mayors of districts and towns in all provinces, a meeting held at Murambi in Gitarama province on February, 11th 2002.

In his speech, the President of the commission Honorable Tito RUTAREMARA reminded that during this new phase of gathering people's views on the draft constitution, members of the commission shall discuss with all Rwandans wherever they are, at their place of work so that every one contributes his/her opinion on the Constitution therefore participates and decides on how the Rwandan administration government its development must be.

The Honorable Tito RUTAREMARA continued His speech informing the assembly that Rwandans living out of the country will be consulted through the internet so that their right exercised in the national affairs and fulfil their duties as Rwandans are respected.
The meeting emphasized that views of each Rwandan are vital so as that constitution will be a common denominator of all Rwandans.

PEOPLE HAVE STARTED GIVING THEIR VIEWS ON THE CONSTITUTION

It is more than two months that members of the commission have started gathering views from different groups of Rwandans on the constitution which is in preparation. Presently people are attending happily this programme. The challenge of the Commission is to gather people's views and wishes on the structure of the constitution within six months.

METHODOLOGY USED IN CONSULTATING THE POPULATION ON THE CONSTITUTION

The following methodology has been chosen in order to facilitate the consultation :

1. Objectives of gathering views on draft constitution :

- To highlight the explanations of the people to the main observations on a constitution.
- To arouse discussions from which constructive views on constitution will be drown
- To gather people's views and prepare people to continue to emphasize and send those
   views to the commission till June 2002.

II. GENERAL METHODOLOGY

1. Gathering views at national level

The commission representatives consult :

- Ministries
- Private institutions
- Universities
- NGO's
- Women
- Minorities
- Youth
- Religious - dominations
- Associations
- Teachers
- Secondary students
- District employees
- Magistrates
- Disabled
- Security officers
- Artisans
- Shopkeepers and small shopkeepers
- Traditional medical
- Old people
- Other organisations or associations which intend to be consulted

2. Gathering views at the level of province and Kigali city, district, sector and cell

The categories mentioned above are also concerned at this level.

The Provincial level :

The round tables are based on a questionnaire elaborated by the Commission.

On the basis of the content of the booklet entitled : MAIN OBSERVATIONS ON THE CONTENT OF THE CONSTITUTION, round table discussions are made in collaboration with an expert in such subject concerned with constitution that people have pointed out to be discussed.

The categories of several persons living together such as students, police officers, prisoners, associations, etc. receive questionnaires and books for explanations, and have enough time to reply to the questions.

The replies will return to the Commission.

To the Rwandans living out of the country, the commission will send questionnaires to their addresses or by internet and replies will return by the same way or other available ways.

- If possible, the commission intends to send its representatives to talk with them
- In the district, people have opportunity to give their views at the sector level and cell level
- The authorities inform people first about the location where which the meeting will be held the time
  so that they get enough time to give independently their views on constitution.

III. THE MEETING

The commission representatives explain first the process, and then listen to the people's discussions ; at the same time they write their views.

Discussions on such subject are closed when :

- An opinion is agreed by all persons
- If there is no consensus, then a vote to have the views of the majority
- Views of a person or few persons are written separately so as to be discussed after