Some of those who spoke with The Citizen okayed Mr Chenge’s election arguing that his education and professional background were enough qualifications for him to hold the position.
Dar es Salaam. Political commentators yesterday gave mixed views on the election of Bariadi lawmaker Andrew Chenge as chairman of Parliament from 2016 to 2020.
Some of those who spoke with The Citizen okayed Mr Chenge’s election arguing that his education and professional background were enough qualifications for him to hold the position.
Others, however, argue that the various scandals he has allegedly been linked to, including the radar and escrow deals, disqualify him.
Dr Benson Bana, a University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) lecturer, said he could view Chenge’s matter in two ways.
“Firstly, his experience, competence and his educational background. He is a Harvard scholar of world fame in his law profession,” he said.
The don said he could not blame Parliament for electing him because the lawmaker would surely deliver.
His second view is based on those who opposed and criticised Mr Chenge’s election without considering the fact that people trusted him and saw him as likeable figure regardless of all the scandals he was associated with.
He went further and compared him with Mr Edward Lowassa, who resigned from premiership over a scandal, but went on to become the main challenger in the October elections.
Mr Bashiru Ally, also a lecturer at UDSM, said what mattered the most was ensuring the man delivered in his new position. He said since this was the first time Mr Chenge was elected to the post, it was important to watch him closely to see whether he would be effective.
He added that CCM had chosen him because they trusted him. As for the scandals, he was not proven guilty in any, therefore, it was his right to contest.
For his part, Prof Abdallah Safari, a distinguished lawyer and Chadema’s vice chairman for Tanzania Mainland said he was not surprised to see Mr Chenge elected to the position because he was a politician and that there were other leaders who were involved in various scandals including using abusive language against the people and yet were given some leadership positions.
