NIMD launches new book on Constitutional Reform in Nairobi

NIMD's newest publication 'Writing Autobiographies of Nations: A Comparative Analysis of Constitutional Reform Processes' will be launched in Nairobi on June 11. Part handbook, part manifesto for participatory constitutional reform, 'Autobiographies' examines through case studies of Bolivia, Ecuador, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe how constitution-making can be an inclusive, democratic process - engaging both political parties and a widening spectrum of public opinion.

Consistent with NIMD's mandate, the study focuses on the key role political parties play in constitutional reform. Through the case stories, we learn important lessons about building multi-stakeholder platforms, about cross party exchange and about the correlation between a nation's constitution and the condition of its democracy.

Albie Sachs writing in his introductory chapter says "constitutions cannot simply be cobbled together. There is not such a thing as a standard, one-size-fits-all, fungible constitution, whether democratic or otherwise, for all countries. By their very nature, constitutions emerge at moments of profound importance in the life of the nations to which they apply".

Sachs quotes Ishmael Mahomed, one time Chief Justice of Namibia, and later Chief Justice of South Africa, who famously said "a Constitution is a "mirror reflecting the national soul," it is not simply a statute which mechanically defines the structures of government and the relations between the government and the governed. It is the identification of the ideals and aspirations of a nation; the articulation of the values bonding its people and disciplining its government. The spirit and the tenor of the Constitution must therefore preside."

The handbook will be launched on Monday June 11th during the NIMD Partnership Days in Nairobi Kenya. An online version will be made freely available on www.nimd.org from Monday June 15th.

You could also order a copy by sending an email to media@nimd.org