16th December
Retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi
Retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi has dismissed the idea of overhauling the country's constitution at this time, asking: "Why now?"
However Civic United Front Chairman Prof Ibrahim Lipumba said a new constitution was vital to meet the present demands.
Mwinyi was responding to questions from a team of journalists who interviewed him in Dar es Salaam yesterday on his stand on the rising calls for a new constitution, in Dar es Salaam.
Mwinyi said he does not support the idea of having a new constitution because the time is not right.
He said before changing the current constitution, Tanzanians should ask themselves in whose interest and for what goal they are seeking the changes.
He however said, there is room for discussions, but he does not support the way some people want to deal with it as hurriedly as if the country is missing something very special.
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What needs do Tanzanians not get today from the current constitution, that it should be changed so fast?" he asked.
"If there are areas in the constitution which need to be changed, then it should be amended" he added.
He cautioned Tanzanians against haste in dealing with the constitution because it may not give them the desired results. "Tanzanians should ask themselves, how many people are demanding for the new constitution. Is it for the elite?"
For his part, Prof Lipumba called upon Tanzanians to join forces in pressing for the new constitution.
He made the call when briefing journalists on the recommendations by party's National Governing council which met for two days in Dar es Salaam.
Prof Lipumba said the new constitution which would have true democratic base to draw up the national development vision for the benefit of the present and future generations was very crucial at this time.
"CUF joins other Tanzanians regardless of their ideologies or status, through democratic ways to demand for a new constitution to meet the current demands," Lipumba said.
He said the council also called on various stakeholders to support the demand for amendment of the Election laws and for an independent Electoral Commission, saying the current was not trusted by mostTanzanians.
MY TAKE:
Mwinyi knows the new constitution will work against his master plan to have his son vie for presidential post come 2015. Also the madudus that he did re Loliondo, IPTL etc will be in jeopardy.
Tumpuuze.....