This was stated in the National Assembly
by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa during the question and answer
session to the PM. He was responding to a question by Hai MP, Mr Freeman
Mbowe (Chadema), on claims that the government had banned all political
rallies in the country after the General Elections last year.
“It should be understood that political
parties are free to go about their businesses provided they stick to
procedures and legislations of the land. “In my constituency of Ruangwa,
leaders from various political parties made a decision that we should
embark on development projects and shun politicking.
It is unfortunate that the resolution
has been interpreted as a ban on political activities countrywide,” he
clarified. In his question, Mr Mbowe had complained that the perceived
ban was unhealthy for the growth of democracy and sought the
government’s explanation.
The Premier maintained that Tanzania
upholds the rule of law, stressing that every institution and
individuals ought to adhere to rules and regulations. He went on to
defend the use of armed forces in maintaining order, noting that it was
the role of police to protect people and their property.
Meanwhile, Mr Majaliwa said the
government is still engaging the business community on best modality of
collecting Value Added Tax (VAT), which is currently pegged at 18 per
cent.
“Some business people have recommended
that the rate should be reduced on small-scale enterprises but the
challenge is enforcement. We are still engaging the business community
on the best modality of collecting revenues,” he explained. He said the
flat rate was ideal since its enforcement was trouble-free for officials
of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).
The explanation by the premier was
prompted by a question by Ilala MP, Musa Azzan (CCM), who was of a view
that the government should categorize VAT for small, medium and large
scale enterprises.
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