Rights body expresses mixed feelings over JPM Monday speech

Dar es Salaam. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has pointed out what it named as shortcomings in the speech by President John Magufulidelivered on July 2 during the swearing in of new senior state officials, including ministers, named in the weekend reshuffle.

According to the statement released on Tuesday, July 3, by LHRC’s executive director Anna Henga,even as the President’s speech touched on key issues geared towards bringing aboutpositive economic impact, still a few areas contradicted with the principles of democracy.

According to the statement, the President appeared to have interfered with the independence of Parliament, particularly when he expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which one chairman blocked an MP from giving his opinion when defending the government.

“This shows that the president has no trust on how Parliament is operated. Such a statement weakens the foundations of separation of powers, which is one of the greatest pillars for any country that exercises full democracy,” reads the statement in part.

LHRC reminded the government that it had no mandate to interfere with the responsibilities of other pillars of the state, as doing so amounted to violatingArticle 4 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977.

LHRC further noted that in his speech, the President showed lack of political tolerance when he made it clear that he was offended by varying opinions from CCMlegislators, particularly as they debated changes in the Bill seeking to amend theCashewnutAct.

“Government officials should make decision based on arguments that have the best interests to the citizens without considering attitudes and beliefs of their parties,” the statement said in part.

Despite the selection not taking into consideration the issue of gender balance and some shortcomings, LHRC also commended the President for positive inputs expressed through his speech.

According to the statement, the inputs include insistence on accountability by government authorities, proper management and supervision of developmental projects, changes in laws that have no benefit to the country, strengthening security, fighting corruption in public service and the issue of bogus NGOs.

Ends.