President Robert Mugabe signed Zimbabwe's new constitution into law Wednesday, clearing the path to crucial elections later this year. The 89-year-old, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980, signed the document two months after it was overwhelmingly approved by Zimbabweans at a referendum. "This is a happening of joy, great joy indeed," Mugabe said at the signing ceremony, held in a marquee erected on the lush green lawns of the State House.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai also welcomed the constitution's passage into law: "As Zimbabweans, we are proud that we are setting on a journey that is based on a new governance system." The supreme law replaces the one written in 1979 at Britain's Lancaster House. After Mugabe signed the text he shook hands with Tsvangirai, to loud applause from assembled ministers, lawmakers and the chief justice, saying "we want now to build the nation."
"We will try to transform into a tomorrow that is more enjoyable, that is much more uplifting," said Mugabe. Despite the show of solidarity, the handshake effectively signals the start of an election campaign that will once again see the rivals pitted against each other. Tsvangirai has challenged Mugabe for the presidency twice before, with often bloody results. International observers described Mugabe's victory in 2002 as deeply flawed, and in 2008 the vote was plagued by violence and irregularities.
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