THE spat between Zanu PF and the MDC-T over the new constitution appeared to escalate Tuesday with constitutional affairs minister, Eric Matinenga clashing with COPAC co-chair Paul Mangwana.

The constitution has reached the drafting stage but Mangwana, from Zanu PF this week instructed the drafters -- Justice Moses Chinhengo, Priscilla Madzonga and Brian Crozier – to stop the process claiming they were ignoring contributions from members of the public.

Mangwana reportedly claimed the drafters were trying to include provisions which Zanu PF opposes including guaranteeing gay rights and dual citizenship.

But minister Matinenga told the drafters to ignore Mangwana’s instructions arguing he was acting outside his mandate.

"It is contrary to established procedure and until such time that a common position is communicated, the drafters must be left to carry out their work without hindrance."

Mangwana in turn accused Matinenga of interfering with the work of the Constitutional Select Committee.

"They (drafters) entered into a contract with us and not the Ministry. If they are any problems between Copac as the Principal and the Drafters as Agents, that will be resolved by Copac. Your unsolicited opinion is not welcome."

He added that Zanu PF was withdrawing its support for the drafting process because it was proceeding in a manner prejudicial to its interests.

"I do not agree with the mandate the Drafters appear to have given themselves and I have withdrawn my party's consent to what they are doing,” Mangwana said.

“The Select Committee is seized with this matter and it shall be communicating its position to the Drafters.”

Zimbabwe is writing a new constitution is part of a raft of political reforms expected to lead to new elections next year.