Sources in the National Constitutional Assembly said only four members of parliament from the MDC formation led by Arthur Mutambara attended the civic group's Wednesday briefing, with MPs of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's larger MDC formation entirely absent.
The mutual no-shows signaled polarization on the question of whether the new constitution should emanate from society at large or be mainly drafted by the politicians.
The NCA, backed by most civil society groups, wants a ?people driven? constitution drafted by a convention or commission and approved by a referendum, whereas the unity government proposes to move the process through the halls of parliament, with civic consultation.
cannot be allowed to become the referees of their own game, insisting that broad participation in the process is essential.