the rule of law

Tanzania’s Magufuli remains absent, so will VP Samia Hassan Suluhu take over?

By Abdul Halim

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Posted on March 16, 2021 19:01

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With no confirmed comments from Tanzania’s government about the whereabouts or health status of President John Magufuli, all eyes are now on vice-president Samia Hassan Suluhu.

Could the hushed government voices be connected to the fact that there is much reluctance among elements of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party should she take over as president as per the constitution?

Prime minister Kassim Majaliwa told Tanzanians to ignore rumours about Magufuli’s health. His comments come at a time when many are urging the government to issue an official comment on Magufuli, who has not recently been seen in public.

Short of that, many are urging the government to follow the constitutional provisions to replace him should Magufuli prove unable to resume his presidential duties.

Article 37 of Tanzania’s constitution

Article 37 (2) states that when the cabinet finds that the president is unable to discharge the functions of his office by reason of physical or mental infirmity, it may submit to the chief justice a resolution requesting him to certify the

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