Muungano: Let this not overshadow the Constitution Debate

I firmly believe in constitutionalism and the rule of law. I believe proper laws are the drivers of economic development. With Tanzania engaged in a constitution process, am pleased that we as a people have realized the importance of drafting a new constitution. The Constitution Review Commission of Tanzania headed by retired Judge Joseph Warioba has released a second draft in December 2013. (See my blog for other analysis regarding the first draft). 

Topical issues that are central in the constitution have been mainly the issue of the Union, the powers of the president and integrity of civil servants amongst others. I feel that we are so much ingrained in the issues of the political union of Tanzania mainland (Tanganyika) and Tanzania Zanzibar (Zanzibar) and forgetting to debate on other important articles of the proposed draft. I am not belaboring people's interests in the topic of the union debate but much emphasis should also be directed in the discussion of other issues arising from the draft law. Issues such as leadership and integrity, leadership and accountability, natural resource management, human rights and the rule of law, separation of power in the three arms of government, freedoms of press, fostering national unity among others. 

The process should also be owned and driven by people. Civil society organizations should play incisive role in making this process owned by the people and not be a political agenda or a preserve of the politician. 

Judge Augustino Ramadhani: What a career!

You've to admire Tanzania's retired Chief Justice Augustino Ramadhan. A retired Brigadier General in the army, served as Zanzibar Chief Justice, former Zanzibar Electoral Commission Chairman, served as Judge in the African Court, Deputy Chair of the Constitution Review Commission and now a Reverend in the Anglican Church of Zanzibar. What a career! Read here for more.

You've inspired me. This is what we call selfless service.  

Katiba Watch Tanzania: Rasimu ya Pili

Tume ya Katiba kuwasilisha Rasimu ya pili kwa rais leo. Mambo muhimu ni pamoja na muundo wa Muungano, jina la Tanganyika, umri wa mgombea urais, madaraka ya rais,  haki za binadamu na mengine mengi.

Yatakayojiri kwenye rasimu ya pili ya katiba ntayawasilisha kesho.

Will a new constitutional solve Tanzania's problems?

I am a firm believer in constitutionalism. The constitution embodies the history and aspirations of a people. It defines a people. Constitutions world over are emblematic of the historical backgrounds and definitions of a people. It is thus most, if not all constitution's preamble start with the words "We the People". 

I have been involved in may debates with people of all walks of life regarding Tanzania's quest for a new constitution. I have always argued that a new constitution will emancipate the poor, drag us out of the abyss of poverty, poor governance and many other ills that plague our country. Theoretically speaking am right. A properly written law will incorporate the fundamental needs of a people. It will protect the disenfranchised people, distribute wealth equally, will seek to better the lives of the rural poor by giving them services such as schools, medical services, water, good infrastructure, affordable food prices. You could imagine of all the nicities that a new constitution will provide. 

But, will a new constitution solve all our problems? Tanzania is a transition. The country is enormously blessed with natural resources, good tourist attractions, enviable hospitality and a  cohesive national culture. Constitutions need to be implemented and supported unequivocally. Sincere political will is also needed. Yes, it can be done.  

World Cup Draw: Who are likely to go to the Second Round? England will Qualify for the KO Round!

With the FIFA World Cup draw done and dusted, focus now shifts to the actual games in Brazil next summer. The draw was done in the Brazilian City of Bahia. Eight groups of four were drawn pursuant to the criteria of geographical location and latest FIFA World Cup Rankings. Below are the 8 groups:

                                                                                                        To go to the KO Round
Group A:     Brazil (Hosts)                                           Brazil & Mexico 
                     Croatia
                     Mexico
                     Cameroon

Group B:     Spain                                                        Spain & Netherlands
                     Netherlands
                     Chile
                     Australia

Group C:     Colombia                                                 Colombia & CIV
                     Greece
                     Cote d'Ivoire
                     Japan

Group D:     Uruguay                                                   Italy & England 
                     Italy
                     England
                     Costa Rica

Group E:     Switzerland                                             France & Ecuador 
                     Ecuador
                     France
                     Honduras

Group F:      Argentina                                                Argentina and Iran
                     Nigeria
                     Iran
                     Bosnia & Herzegovina

Group G:     Germany                                                 Germany and Portugal
                     Ghana
                     Portugal
                     USA

Group H:    Belgium                                                    Belgium and Russia
                    Algeria
                    Russia
                    South Korea

These predictions are based on current form and FIFA rankings. I could change my opinion with time.
  

A tribute to Mandela: A Servant of Humanity

'South Africa has lost its greatest son' those were the words of South African President Jacob Zuma while announcing the passing of Nelson Mandela. Mandela lived and changed the world. A great man and icon of freedom. He served humanity, influenced humanity and taught us the essence of struggle for humanity. His passing reminds us of his enduring legacy of struggle for justice for all, service and dedication. As a young man, Mandela was a great inspiration of our time. His selfless character and enviable reputation of simplicity has shaped and will continue to shape me. As a Tanzanian, he together with Mwalimu Julius Nyerere remain my political role models.

Fare thee well Madiba!

Deja vu? Opposition Political Parties Wrangles in Tanzania

This is an opinion piece I wrote for the East african Newspaper last year. Deja vu? In light of Chadema power wrangles, this article provides some hindsight!  

Reading the East African (Jan 9-15, 2012) on ‘Why bitter opposition power struggles benefit ruling CCM’ reignited the debate on the need for formulating a new constitution in Tanzania. The piece unearthed the most pertinent issues that ail Tanzania’s current constitution. Contemporary democratic constitutions world over have served as foundations for progress and development. The current constitution has numerous loopholes, give excess powers to the head of state and lacks a proper checks and balance mechanism within the three arms of government. The constitution has failed to provide a comprehensive law in the area of political parties which the author explored in the issue. 

A Political Parties Act is one fundamental piece of legislation that mould society, economy and political participation, which is a prerequisite for democracy and good governance. The recent wave of expulsion of party members by their political parties in the opposition on various grounds and the clear lack of consensus on the consequences of such a move by various stakeholders such as the Registrar of Political Parties’ office, political parties themselves and the judiciary is a sign of a weak political parties law. The ruling party may be a beneficiary of the internal squabbles of the opposition parties, but it is imperative upon all stakeholders in the constitutional review process to put national interests first. Such a review requires patriotism and unity. Nurturing a progressive liberal democracy starts with building strong ideologue political parties and civil institutions. Let this be a challenge to all players in the constitution review process.