That is the stand of religious leaders of the Constituent Assembly (CA) and also from the group of 201 who have unanimously expressed their support for the ongoing constitution review process on the basis that it is attended by more than 75 per cent of the CA members from the Union Legislature, House of Representatives and those from the special presidential appointed group of 201.
“The CA is lawful because its members are from all the required groups and not just politicians,” said Bishop Amos Muhagachi.
According to him, the process would be nullified only if members from the group of 201 fail to participate in the process then the CA shall not have legality to continue with its meetings.
Speaking to journalists outside the debate chambers yesterday in the capitol, he discredited claims that the clerics and members from the group of 201 fail were bribed to participate in the CA.
“We are here on our own volition debating on the draft that was tabled by the Constitution Review Commission…most of the Articles in the draft constitution have been left unchanged,” said Bishop Muhagachi.
The religious leader also refuted claims that some CA Standing Orders were changed or violated. He said the Standing Orders were endorsed by CA members with accordance to the Constitution Review Act, Cap 83 and have not being changed.
Nonetheless, he said, the CA Standing Orders allow the CA to change them when necessary, according to regulation No. 83 of the Standing Orders.
He called on fellow clerics who are not CA members to consult with them before issuing public statements on the proceedings noting that they could unwittingly mislead the public.
On his part, Sheikh Hamid Masoud Jongo from the Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA) called upon UKAWA members to return to the CA saying their contributions are vital to the process.
According to Sheikh Jongo, since UKAWA members left solely on discrepancies as to the structure of the government, they should return and continue discussions on other matters pertaining improvement of social services and general welfare.
“We cannot deny Tanzanians the right to have their socio-economic issues presented because of the absence of a few members,” he said.
Sharing the opinion, Retired Bishop Donald Mtetemela said it is important for UKAWA to rejoin the CA saying they (UKAWA) have good and valid contributions.
He said to reach an amicable consensus in the constitution making process, all parties involved should participate.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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