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Submitted by Web Master on 17 August 2013

Policy Forum Members met on the 16th of August, 2013 in accordance with the Constitutional Review Act of 2011 to deliberate on the provisions of the Draft Constitution and outline areas of improvement to be sent to the Constitutional Review Commission before the August, 31st deadline.

There was a general show of gratification from participants at the meeting when they examined the issues that they had suggested to the commission earlier in the year that appeared in the Draft Constitution and the major changes in comparison to the current constitution. Issues around the protection of children and women’s rights, the rights of the elderly, the right to education and environmental rights are stipulated in the draft although there was a slight dismay that water is not mentioned.

One of the major changes that appear in the Draft Constitution that members spent a lot of time deliberating was the issue of three governments. Reflecting the diversity within the network, a good number were of the opinion that the current setup of two governments should remain while others felt that three governments representing Zanzibar, Tanganyika and the Union would balance Tanzania, unlike the way it is now. A minority believed that one government for both the mainland and Isles would suffice if we as a nation truly were intent on becoming one nation. Since it was such a contentious issue amongst participants, it was resolved that members who were not present also be given the opportunity to send in their opinions before the network finalizes their opinion document.

Another major change in the draft that members deliberated on was the possibility of appealing against the results of presidential elections, ministers not having parliamentary seats and MPs being limited to three term limits, and the possibility of recalling an MP who is underperforming. These were issues that were applauded they strengthened the system of checks and balances in the country. Independent candidature, meaning those vying for office will not necessarily be required to come from political parties, will also be allowed should this provision remain in the final document after validation.

Apart from water, there was a myriad of other matters raised as ‘missing’ from the Draft Constitution by members. For instance, the draft does not provide for the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) like it does for the Ethics Commission and the Commission for Human Rights. Policy Forum members consider this a crucial body that should be given as much prominence in the constitution as the other aforementioned bodies if the country is to fight corruption.

The Policy Forum Secretariat will henceforth collate all views from members in the coming days and upload the final opinion document that will be sent to the commission as an attachment on this page.