1st March 2014
Such a debate would help them understand the constitution and identify crucial aspects that require concentration before they break into working committees. The members were contributing to the proposed CA standing orders.
Bariadi East legislator Andrew Chenge advised the Assembly to set aside at least a week for the members to discuss the draft of the Mother Law, saying the dialogue would help them identify contentious issues.
Chenge said: “Open discussion of the draft constitution will give opportunity to share our personal feelings.”
NCCR-Mageuzi National Chairman James Mbatia noted that before rushing to the CA committees, the draft should be brought to parliament for a week- long discussion by all members.
The general discussion would help members study the chapters, he said, pointing out that on the committees some of them might not have chance to share views.
“The discussion on standing orders is perfect example of how members will openly share their views in the draft…we don’t need to rush to the committees, let’s discuss it generally before embarking on specific chapters,” said Mbatia.
CA Interim Chairman Pandu Ameir Kificho said the proposal would be worked on before a decision is taken.
For the past three days, discussions on CA standing orders have been dominated by debates on how the voting system should be when members deliberate on certain issues.
Some members were opposed to the rule that CA sessions should only start when there is two-thirds quorum from both the Mainland and Zanzibar.
UDP Chairman John Cheyo urged members to go for the secret ballot, stating it was the only way to protect members opposed to certain provisions and pointed out that the secret ballot gives enough freedom to members to make decisions.
According to Cheyo several MPs were currently “suffering or had lost their party membership due to openness.”
Dr Ave Marie Semakafu, representing higher learning institutions, asked CA members to put aside political ideologies when discussion issues of national interest. Politicians should not be allowed to wear their party uniforms in the parliament because the CA comprises of people from different groups, she stressed.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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