Reasons for Rejection - Explaining the Outcome of the 2000 Constitutional Referendum in Zimbabwe

Abstract: In this thesis we attempt to explain the outcome of the 2000 referendum in Zimbabwe, where the electorate rejected a new constitution. The puzzling problem is that the people of Zimbabwe said NO to what many observers considered a constitution superior to the already existing. This case study is partly based on primary material collected in Harare as a part of a field study. Our analysis is based on the actor-structure approach, a meta-theoretical model where actors and structures are seen as co-dependant and intertwining; Actors contribute to creating societal structures, which in turn affects actors. We have found that the rejection of the new constitution had very little to do with the constitution itself and its contents. We believe the outcome of the referendum was caused by actor involvement or as a result of existing structures. Hence, we argue that ZANU(PF)'s and the NCA's actions, as well as the economic situation, the political climate and the constitutional setup were the main contributing causes for the rejection of a new constitution.