Bunge-Lenye-Meno-A-Parliament-with-Teeth-for-Tanzania-LAXNNAJ547

The Opposition
want reform in other sectors, you have to reform the constitution first.
The constitution begins with a preamble: “We Tanzanians”, as if to say
that Tanzanians have accepted our constitution. But that is an unfounded
assertion. Tanzanians have never been involved.
In the last 20 years, we have introduced 14 amendments to the
constitution – an indication that the constitution is inadequate. These
amendments have been patchy. It would be better to begin with a
constitutional review, to identify those areas which are acceptable and
those which need work. If we want an effective parliament we have to
ask for constitutional reform. This is an uphill struggle with the kind of
parliament that we have; but there is mounting pressure.
Constitutional reform means much more than simply a new Electoral
Act. Even if we reform the electoral system, Article 99 of the
constitution is categorical that parliament cannot override the president.
There are things which parliament cannot amend, even if we have
changed the Standing Orders. For example, parliament cannot amend
the budget. There is no way that MPs can exert meaningful influence on
the budgets or on any bill that is brought by the government.
We need to do this as Tanzanians. People are completely dissatisfied. If
I were to be given freely the presidency of this country, I would think
twice about taking the job. Parliament is changing, but it is not going to
be easy. We have all learned a great deal from the scandals at the Bank
of Tanzania and the committee of enquiry into the Richmond Power
Supply Contract. The political parties are dissatisfied. The biggest
complaint in all 127 districts of this country is that we need a new
constitution.
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