President Samia reiterates pledge for new Constitution

Dodoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced that the long-anticipated process to draft a new constitution will take place during the next administration, covering the period between 2025 and 2030.

The announcement aligns with the ruling CCM party’s election manifesto for the same period.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, June 27, during its formal dissolution, President Samia said her government had already laid a solid foundation for the resumption of the process through a series of political and legislative reforms guided by the philosophy of the 4Rs—Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding.

“When I assumed office, I prioritised harmony and national cohesion to steer our country forward. That is why I initiated and implemented the 4R philosophy, which fostered political reconciliation and institutional reform,” she said.

The Head of State told lawmakers that key recommendations by a political reconciliation task force had been implemented, including the immediate lifting of the ban on public rallies.

“We all witnessed how political parties were able to resume their activities without interference,” she said.

President Samia also cited the passing of significant electoral legislation as a crucial step in strengthening the country’s democratic processes.

“These include the Political Parties Act, the Election Expenses Act, the Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors Elections Act, and the Independent National Electoral Commission Act No. 1 of 2024,” she noted.

She said the new laws had enhanced the credibility of the electoral system, including provisions requiring even unopposed candidates to be subjected to voting.

In her address, President Samia also touched on efforts to strengthen political parties financially.

“By June 2025, a total of Sh87.87 billion will have been allocated to political parties in the form of subsidies,” she said.

She reiterated that the new constitution agenda remains a flagship commitment in CCM’s 2025–2030 manifesto.

“The responsibility of overseeing the new constitution process will be undertaken in the next five-year term,” said President Samia.