Written by
Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Tanzania. President Samia Suluhu Hassan embarked on her Journey as the six President of Tanzania in March 2021, after the death of John Pombe Magufuli who died due to heart conditions, beginning her tenure by departing from Magufuli’s undemocratic style.
Resident Hassan inherited a divided nation, but during her first days as the president of Tanzania she created a sense of optimism, not just through her calls for reconciliation and national unity but her candour. The Conversation reported.
Changes
Whatever Ms Hassan did, she was careful not to step on toes of the hardliners in her Party Chama Cha Mapinduzi. In a calculated move, she managed to achieve her boldest reversal- the country’s Covid-19 ambivalence.
She appointed a Covid-19 task force in a country which was declared Coronavirus free by President Magufuli, and this advisory expert committee helped pave the way for Tanzania to join the COVAX programme and begin vaccinating its citizens with Ms Hassan taking the lead.
The soft-spoken President Hassan also in her first days in the office, released dissidents, spoke against suppressing media freedom and pledged to meet the opposition.
The U-turn
President Hassan is described as a much more diplomatic figure and she is calm when managing conflicts. Tanzanian activist Maria Serungi while describing Ms Hassan to Africa-Press said the significance of her background should not be underestimated in the context of Tanzanian politics.
But now her leadership is under scrutiny over her handling of demands led by opposition leaders for a new constitutional reform.
On 21 July, Freeman Mbowe the main opposition leader of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo party (Chadema) was arrested as he prepared to address a constitutional forum arranged by his party, and was later charged with terrorism acts.
The continued harassment of the opposition, arbitrary arrest and trumped up charges are a reminder of the inadequacies of the current constitution and the need for constitutional reforms.
Why Hassan’s administration is in a knot
After swearing in as Tanzania’s first female president, Hassan showed her willingness to meet the opposition. But recently the clamour for constitutional reform has set her and the opposition on a collision course.
Previously, opposition party leaders and members were harassed and brutalised and political party activity was unlawfully banned in 2016.
The issue of the constitutional reform was sparked by the Chadema party vowing not to participate in another election under the current constitution, calling for reforms to the management of election.
There have also been demands for an independent electoral commission as well as the restructuring of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Need for a new constitution
The current constitution came into effect during single-party rule in 1977. So this constitution consolidated one-party dominant rule, which has been the defining feature of Tanzania’s politics.
Tanzania has enjoyed relative political stability over the years. But, it needs a new constitution to address contemporary challenges such as poverty, inequality and corruption. A constitution could strengthen public institutions through good governance and accountability.
Although President Hassan is facing the challenge of constitutional reform, she still has time to settle the matter before the end of her tenure.
