Draft wants tax evaders locked out of elections

“The draft lays the ground for positive democratic transformation in the country...this is what I have always been advocating,” 

By The Citizen Reporters

In Summary

Prof Mpangala expressed his satisfaction with the proposal for a three-tier union, saying it had taken into account the prevailing situation in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam. The second draft constitution unveiled on Monday proposes that tax evaders be barred from contesting the presidency or parliamentary seats.

Anyone convicted of tax evasion within five years preceding an election shall be ineligible to stand as a candidate in the vote, says the document.

Section 79 (2) (c) and Section 125 (2) (h) of the draft also proposes that anyone convicted of an offence related to dishonesty be barred from seeking the presidency or parliamentary seat if the offence is committed within five years of an election.

“A person shall lose his/her right to seek the presidency if he/she is convicted of tax evasion or any other offence related to dishonesty within five years of an election,” says Section 79 (2) (c) of the draft.

The section is among new additions in the second draft, which was handed over on Monday to President Jakaya Kikwete and Zanzibar President Ali Mohammed Shein.

The draft also proposes that cabinet ministers be able to act as president in the absence of both the head of state and vice president.

According to Section 77 (1), if the president is out of the country or indisposed, his/her duties shall be performed by the vice president or a senior or any other Cabinet minister if the vice president is also absent.

Political analysts and other commentators yesterday commended the draft, saying it reflected the will of the majority of Tanzanians.

In separate interviews with The Citizen, they praised the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) for “a job well-done,” but noted that there were some issues that needed to be clarified to make them clear and understandable.

Prof Gaudence Mpangala of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) welcomed the draft, saying it had taken into account what the people desired.

“The draft lays the ground for positive democratic transformation in the country...this is what I have always been advocating,” he said in a telephone interview.

Prof Mpangala expressed his satisfaction with the proposal for a three-tier union, saying it had taken into account the prevailing situation in Tanzania.