SEVERAL newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) said here yesterday that they want a Speaker who is strong, cool minded and impartial to preside over the National Assembly.
The MPs are scheduled to elect the
Speaker on Tuesday. The race for the seat of the Speaker and his/ her
deputy is heating up, with some MPs-elect already mentioning diligence,
experience and wisdom as the key qualifications.
Several aspirants, including some CCM
political heavyweights, were yesterday seen canvassing for the votes
from the MPs-elect who were doing registration at Bunge grounds.
The current Speaker Anne Makinda retires
from active politics and her deputy Job Ndugai aspires for elevation.
The legislators who are scheduled to start taking oath on Tuesday,
foresee a more vibrant and constructive Parliament that requires a
highly competent Speaker to preside over it.
“This is not going to be an ordinary
Parliament we are used to,” said Dr Hamis Kigwangallah (Nzega Rural -
CCM). Morogoro Rural legislator on CCM ticket, Mr Omar Mgumba, said
although it is his first time to enter the House, he is looking forward
to seeing a lively Parliament.
“You look at the type of people who are
entering the Parliament, they are young and really determined to
represent their electorate,’ he said.
According to the Constitution of the
United Republic of Tanzania (1977), the Parliament is the principal
organ with the authority on behalf of the people, to oversee and advise
the government and its organs in the discharge of its responsibilities.
In discharging of their functions, the
MPs may ask ministers questions on the conduct of their ministries,
deliberate on and authorise short and long term government plans. The
Parliament is also responsible for enacting laws and ratify all treaties
and agreements to which the United Republic of Tanzania is a party.
The Speaker of the National Assembly is elected by MPs from amongst persons who are MPs or who are qualified to be MPs.
The Speaker is the leader of the
National Assembly in all other institutions and meetings. The Deputy
Speaker of the National Assembly is elected by MPs from amongst Members
of Parliament.
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