Dodoma/Dar/Upcountry. Tanzanians will be closely observing President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday and Friday as she reveals the candidate...
Dodoma/Dar/Upcountry. Tanzanians will be closely observing President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday and Friday as she reveals the candidate for Prime Minister and delivers a speech to Parliament, respectively.
Residents are keen to find out who will be suggested for the position of Prime Minister. On Friday, they will also seek to learn about the government's strategy to reestablish national unity and solidarity after the disturbances that occurred during the General Election on October 29.
With Parliament convening for this important session to approve the new Prime Minister, excitement is growing about the much-anticipated declaration. The session on Thursday marks a critical moment for the country, as expectations are high among MPs concerning the attributes and vision they hope the incoming leader will represent.
According to Tanzania's Constitution, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is required to submit her candidate for the position in the National Assembly, succeeding Mr. Kassim Majaliwa, whose term is concluding. Following this, Members of Parliament will approve the selected individual via a voting process.
However, the issue on numerous people's minds is: who will take charge of government business in Parliament next? Conversations among legislators indicate a shared agreement on the qualities they desire in the new Prime Minister.
Most MPs who addressed The Citizen at Parliament on Wednesday expressed their desire for someone with integrity, able to provide robust and principled leadership, diligent, and dedicated to democratic governance.
"We hope we have a Prime Minister who can offer the public leadership required to move us forward and meet the expectations of the citizens," said Ms. Ritha Kabati (Kilolo-CCM).
Members highlighted the importance of a Prime Minister capable of managing Tanzania's intricate political environment while offering a distinct outlook for the nation's future. "We need someone who can bring the country together and unite various groups," stated Mr. Ado Shaibu (Tunduru North - ACT-Wazalendo, expressing the opinions of many fellow members.
He stated: “I hope the nation is granted a Prime Minister who is accountable, innovative, and dedicated to addressing real issues faced by Tanzanians.”
Likewise, Ms. Anne Kilango-Malecela (Same East-CCM) stated that the nation requires a dedicated Prime Minister who will assist the President in achieving the aspirations of Tanzanians, especially in realizing the 2050 Development Vision.
Mr. Mwita Waitara (Tarime Rural-CCM) highlighted the significance of consistency. "We require a leader who can align Parliament with its constituents since the Prime Minister oversees government operations," he stated.
Rumors about possible contenders have increased, as political experts and social media commentators examine the nominees' histories, party connections, and compatibility with the President's goals.
Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu informed Members of Parliament in the House on Wednesday that President Hassan would announce her candidate on Thursday morning, following which MPs would approve the name through a vote. He also mentioned that the House would choose the next deputy speaker before the official opening of the 13th Parliament on Friday.
Therefore, Tanzanians also anticipate that when President Hassan speaks to Parliament on Friday, she will present the government's position regarding the protests that resulted in violence and deaths starting from October 29, the actions being implemented to restore order, bridge divisions, move forward with the new constitution process, and fulfill her campaign pledges.
These assumptions were held by citizens interviewed by The Citizen's affiliated newspaper, Mwananchi, two days prior to the President officially commencing the 13th Parliament, signifying the start of her second term in power.
Shortly after her inauguration in Chamwino, Dodoma, on November 3, President Hassan stated that her speech to Parliament and the country would detail her administration's priorities. Both citizens and academics are looking for clear answers regarding the incidents of October 29 and the measures the government plans to take to avoid such events happening again.
Addressing the nation’s challenges
A political science expert from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof George Kahangwa, noted that a president's initial address to Parliament typically outlines the strategies for the five-year term. This speech enables the Head of State to communicate the government's goals and aspirations to Members of Parliament, who serve as representatives of the citizens.
"Considering the present situation, it is anticipated that the speech will cover the protests that took place on October 29, which led to fatalities, damage to public and private property, and several legal proceedings. Tanzanians are looking forward to hearing about reconciliation based on the 4R approach, election pledges within 100 days, and the commitments made by Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi during a recent virtual meeting of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc)," said Prof Kahangwa.
He observed that people are anticipating reassuring statements from the President and specific actions regarding how the administration plans to address these matters.
The public also expects the President to deal with corruption, disappearances, and missing people. When the late John Magufuli spoke to Parliament, he pledged to fight corruption and poor management. Tanzanians now seek similar transparency, as poverty and youth unemployment continue to be connected to corruption.
Professor Kahangwa highlighted the significance of addressing the new constitution process, as pledged during the election campaign, economic policies, and the execution of the National Vision 2050, especially concerning development and economic expansion.
National cohesion
A political science professor at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr. Conrad Masabo, stated that the most effective approach to dealing with the events of October 29 is for the President to openly recognize that prior disagreements played a role in the unrest. He anticipates the speech will address the public's concerns and detail how the government plans to resolve ongoing issues. "This enables citizens to offer their feedback, which the government can then utilize to proceed or create other solutions," Dr. Masabo mentioned.
Reconciliation
Political commentator and foreign affairs specialist Thomas Kibwana stated that reconciliation is anticipated to be a key focus in the President's address, along with the administration's five-year plan and promises for upcoming generations, such as the creation of a reconciliation commission and the development of the new constitutional process.
Condolences and reassurance
Civil society groups are also closely monitoring the situation. Manga Msalaba, the Executive Director of Safer World Organisation in Mwanza, stated that he anticipates the President will express sympathy to those affected by the protests and provide reassurance to the public.
"Not everyone who died was a demonstrator. The President should also explain how the country will progress together and reinforce the rule of law," he stated, noting that the speech should specify when reconciliation initiatives will start, as the lack of such actions led to the disturbances.
The country's attention will stay focused on Dodoma as Tanzanians wait for the President's appointments and speech, hoping her leadership will offer guidance, comfort, and a route to unity and national development.
Further reporting by Katare Mbashiru in Dodoma
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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