Tanzania will start the process of drafting a new constitution after the general elections in 2025, said Prof Rwekaza Mukandara, the chairman of the task force appointed by the Registrar of Political Parties, reported The BBC News.
Prof Mukandara made the announcement on Monday at the State House in Dar es Salaam while presenting a preliminary report on the performance of the force to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The task force is made up of 25 members from across the country, including politicians, civil society organizations, scholars, and members of the defense and security committees. Its main function is to monitor and analyze the democratic process and how to address the challenges facing some political parties, including rallies.
Prof Mukandara said a new constitution will be among other long-term issues that will be addressed after the 2025 elections. He said the reasons for making the proposal include providing an opportunity to align the new vision for development in the coming years, which will pave the direction for a new Constitution.
“This one on the new Constitution you are going to work on it and bring a proposal that will be announced for all Tanzanians understand, I agree that it is a long-term issue but Tanzanians need to understand why,” said President Samia after receiving the report.
She added that her government will first work on the reforms set for the current term and then in the future, it will be accessed if there is a need to rewrite the entire constitution of Tanzania.
The announcement comes after the release of Freeman Mbowe of the Chadema party who is the main opposition leader of Tanzania. Mr. Mbowe was charged with terrorism and stayed behind bars for eight months before the charges were dropped in early March.
He alleged his court case was politically motivated because he had started a movement demanding a new constitution.
The Tanzania government denies the allegation.
