NEW CONSTITUTION: MPs call for small cabinet, No parliament seat holders

BY DICKSON NG`HILY

Members of Parliament yesterday called for a downsized cabinet and want it specifically crafted into the new constitution as one of the key means of cutting down government expenditure.

In a rare show statesmanship, the lawmakers said holders of cabinet portfolios need not come from their midst, possibly the first such pronouncement from the august house following sporadic public opposition to picking ministers from the elected few at the expense of a richer reservoir of capable brains from without.

These sentiments were expressed before the country’s Constitution Review Committee chaired by Judge Joseph Sinde Warioba, on an official call of duty at Parliament in Dodoma specifically to tap thoughts on the highest law of the land new from the lawmakers.

Ally Keissy Mohamed (Nkasi North CCM) said: “We need a small government, less expensive … to ease the burden on tax payers … the new constitution state the (explicit) number of ministries … not exceeding fourteen.”

He added: “The move will help to guide the Head of State in picking ministerial appointees … unlike the current situation under which the president can create and appoint ministers has at will.”

Hon. Keissy also set the debate alight on the need to look beyond Parliament in picking cabinet ministers, which move he argued would make the government sit up and account for their decisions and deeds to the Legislature.

The current crop of 55 Cabinet ministers plus their deputies except one Energy and Minerals Minister Prof. Sospeter Muhongo is drawn from almost exclusively from Parliament seat holders. But even he had to be ‘inducted’ into the House as a ‘presidential nominee’ before he could accede to Cabinet.

According to the Union Constitution, the deputies do not attend the regular weekly Cabinet meetings chaired by the Head of State but they enjoy several privileges almost similar to those of the ministers.

Hon. Keissy further argued for a younger age bracket for persons aspiring for the post of President, from the current 40 to 35 years, saying this would pave way for young people who make up almost 60 per cent of the country’s population.

Keissy’s view was seconded by the Leticia Nyerere (Special Seats - Chadema) who said: “It’s time the constitution declares the number of ministries that the country ought to have…the very baseline in appointing ministers.”

Leticia added: “…Let us now provide the opportunity for the young generation to lead the country… we can do that by reducing the age limit from the current 40 to at least 35 years.” She also said Tanzania should seriously consider all people to hold dual citizenships … ‘similar to our neighbours.’

On his Part, Hamisi Kigwangalla (Nzega CCM) told the commission: “I too support the view of those who say the constitution should declare the exact number of ministries … and those appointed ministers should come from outside the parliament as it is done with the appointment of the Attorney General.”

Kigwangala further requested the commission to consider the inclusion of private candidates also along with bringing down to 35 years the age limits for presidential candidates.

Other MPs who seconded the idea of an explicit number of ministries as well as picking ministers from outside parliament included Beatrice Shelukindo (CCM), Diana Chilolo (CCM) Cecilia Pareso (Chadema), and Zitto Kabwe (Chadema).

Those who backed the idea of private candidates: Zitto Kabwe (Chadema), Beatrice Shelukindo (CCM), Hamadi Rashi (CUF), Eng Stella Manyanya, Special seats (CCM), Said Zuberi (CUF), Halifa Suleiman Halfa, Gando (CUF) and Hamisi Kingwangala, (CCM).

Those who wanted the new constitution to allow dual citizenship: Hilda Ngoye (CCM), Zakhia Meghji (CCM) and Leticia Nyerere (Chadema).

Earlier in his remarks, Judge Warioba urged the lawmakers to ensure they gave their views as individuals the basis on which the new constitution would be written.

Adding that: “We may make some interventions to seek clarifications … we would like your ideas to be clear to all of us who are going to sort them out.”

SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY (04/11/2012): http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=47637