Two MPs seek constitutional amendments to change presidential tenure

 The Member of Parliament for Chemba Mr Juma Nkamia (CCM) and his Tarime Rural counterpart, Mr John Heche (Chadema), plan to separately table in the Parliament private motions on presidential tenure.

While Mr Nkamia wants presidential term to be extended to seven from five years, Mr Heche is of view that the period should be reduced by one year to four years.

Recently, Mr Nkamia posted on WhatsApp that he has prepared a private motion on the issue which he intends to table in the Parliament.

A letter, purportedly from the Parliament, showed that Mr Nkamia has already notified the Parliament office of his intention.

But only days Mr Heche emerged with different idea saying he was also in the process of tabling a private motion to reduce presidential, MPs and councillor’s terms to four years.

Mr Nkamia said his idea is supported by the fact that five years was not enough for a national leader to roll out meaningful plans.

He gave example of Rwanda whose presidential term limit is seven years.

But Mr Heche said it was time Tanzania follows US footsteps which has only four years presidential term.

Both MPs have been supported and criticized by several people. Ruaha Catholic University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gaudence Mpangala, said he was dismayed by Mr Nkamia saying this was not a time to extend presidential terms.

Others criticized Mr Heche saying his move seem to be political, coming hot in the heels of Mr Nkamia move.