♠ Posted by Unknown in NATIONAL NEWS at 2:12 AM
WINNER AND LOSER HUG: Amina Abdallah Amour (R),
who lost yesterday�s race for the position of Constituent Assembly Vice
Chairperson, hugs winner Samiah Suluhu Hassan in a show of solidarity
notwithstanding the way the election went. The winner, who is Minister
of State in the Vice President�s Office (Union Matters), garnered 390
votes to the loser�s 126. Our photographer captured the scene at the
entrance to the House debating chamber in Dodoma yesterday, shortly
after the results of the election were announced.
Dr Thomas Kashilila the Returning Officer announced Suluhu as the
winner, saying she scooped 390 of the 523 votes cast during the
elections conducted yesterday evening.
Her opponent Amina Abdallah Amour from the Civic United Front (CUF)
scooped 126 votes which is equivalent to 24.1 percent of the ballots.
Void ballots were seven, said Dr Kashilila.
According to the Constitution Review Act when the chairperson hails
from one part of the Union, the vice chairperson shall come from the
other part of the republic.
Before the elections, the interim chair, Pandu Ameir Kificho
provided the candidates with three minutes each to campaign for the
seat.
In her manifesto, Amina Abdallah Amour said she holds a Masters
Degree for Finance and a Diploma in Law. She is a Member of Parliament
and has worked with National Bank of Commerce (NBC) for 23 years.
Samia Hassan Suluhu said she is a graduate of MBA on Economic
Community Development and has been a Member of Parliament for 14 years
and throughout the period she has been serving as a minister in the
United Republic of Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Suluhu promised to give chance to youths to contribute to
constitution debates in order to ensure that their views are
incorporated. “I have learned a lot from the outgoing chair. I will use
his wisdom and my experience to ensure smooth writing of the Mother
Law,” she said.
She however said that as the minister responsible for union affairs
she has managed to reduce the union challenges from 13 to only one.
“I am now dealing with the remaining economic challenge after finding solution to the rest,” Suluhu insisted.
The chairperson and his vice will be sworn in today morning followed by other members of the assembly.
Meanwhile newly elected Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Samwel
Sitta has pledged to give daily reports to the media and to also prepare
special documentaries to be aired on radio and television to increase
public awareness of the House proceedings.
The veteran politician and member of the ruling party Chamma cha
Mapinduzi (CCM) mid this week defeated Hashimu Rungwe from opposition
party Chama Cha Ukombozi wa Umma (CHAUMA) securing 487 votes over the
contender who settled for 69 votes.
The new Chair also pledged to give more voice to the 201 members of
the CA appointed by the President noting that those from the House of
Representatives and MPs have so far dominated the House discussions.
Speaking outside the debate chambers after his outstanding win,
Sitta also said that he would give more time to the members to further
deliberate on what he described as ‘the tricky sections 37 and 38 of
the endorsed regulations.’
"If we are to get a constitution that represents the collective
will of the people then the voice of the 201 members must be also heard
", he noted.
Sitta made it clear that he is determined to ensure that the
deliberations are transparent and again reinforced his commitment to
make certain that the opinions of all groups of people are represented
and heard.
In the wake of his election, Members of the Constituent Assembly
(CA) have expressed unanimous overwhelming confidence in the newly
elected Chairman, applauding the outgoing interim chair, Pandu Ameir
Kificho for a job well done having managed to lead the house even before
the Standing Orders were in place.
Hamuod Jumaa, a Member of Parliament for Kibaha Rural is of the
opinion that Sitta will strengthen democracy in the House especially
during debates by giving equal opportunity to the members without any
biasness.
A representative of persons with disabilities, Amon Mpanju who is a
member of the CA Technical committee seconded the view expressing
confidence in the new Chair to give equal representation to all groups.
Monduli Member of Parliament and former Prime Minister, Edward
Lowassa cemented the confidence and trust in Sitta. He too is of the
opinion that the new Chairman of the CA will spearhead the draft review
in a fair and just manner.
"He is experienced and given his speed and standard philosophy,
Tanzanians can rest assured he will guide the members to productive
discussions that will see the country attain a fully inclusive Mother
Law that will reflect the will of the people,” Lowassa said.
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