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House selects reps to African Parliament today
2005-12-30 09:50:42
By Guardian Reporter, Dodoma
The National Assembly in Dodoma will today conduct fresh elections of Tanzania’s representatives to the Pan-African Parliament.
The newly installed Speaker of the National Assembly, Samuel Sitta, called for the poll in a special announcement he made to the House yesterday shortly after the completion of the swearing-in of the new legislators.
Sitta said: ’’After receiving legal advice, it has been decided that we should conduct fresh elections of the five members to represent us in the Pan-African Assembly.’’
He explained that over the last few months, there has been doubts’ regarding participation of Tanzania’s legislators elected to the Parliament.
’’If left unchecked the situation might affect the participation of Tanzania in the Africa’s parliament, considering the fact that its president is a Tanzanian,’’ cautioned Sitta.
Getrude Mongela, (Ukerewe, CCM), is the President of the Pan-African Parliament, constituting representatives from national parliaments from all over Africa.
All MPs were free to pick the forms and contest for the posts, but referring to Mongela’s position without citing her name, the Speaker reminded the House that ’wisdom’ should be used to protect the country’s interests.
’’I hope that during the election, wisdom would be employed…I think you understand me,’’said the Speaker, arising applause from the House.
Forms for the purpose were handed out yesterday and returned on the same day, and Mongela was highly expected to be among legislators to pick up the forms so as to retain her post.
According to Sitta, the election will be conducted shortly after the President’s maiden speech to the Assembly this evening.
Doubts on the fate of the legislators representing the country to the continent’s assembly arose after the parliament was dissolved in August this year.
Apart from Mongela, other House’s representatives to the Pan-African Assembly include Dr William Shija, Athuman Janguo, Remidus Kissassi and Amani Kabourou.
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