time for change?

Tanzania: What’s really behind CCM’s refusal to change the constitution?

By Abdul Halim, in Dar es Salaam

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Posted on July 22, 2021 09:29

 © Former Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete and President Samia Suluhu Hassan  in Gitega, Burundi June 18, 2020. REUTERS/Evrard Ngendakumana
Former Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete and President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Gitega, Burundi June 18, 2020. REUTERS/Evrard Ngendakumana

“We need a new constitution” is increasingly a demand growing in popularity in Tanzania’s online sphere for the past three months. But such public outcry is met the ruling party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM)’s refusal to commit to any changes; for now. 

The opposition and other activists have been calling for constitutional reforms that would allow for the formation of an independent electoral commission, checks and balances within the administration and accountability for all members of the acting government.

Back in 2014, a process to change the constitution was halted after politicians failed to reach consensus on the model of the government.

After popular consultation in 2012, the then constitution review committee, headed by former judge and Prime Minister Joseph Sinde Warioba, came out with three-tier government model:

  • Mainland government;
  • Zanzibar government;
  • Union government (Union of mainland Tanzania with Zanzibar).

This model was however rejected by the constituency assembly at the behest of Tanzania’s ruling party, CCM, headed by President Jakaya Kikwete. They believed, and to continue to believe in a two-tier government:

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