We want graduate MPs, say members of public

Tanzanians want the new constitution to demonstrate that members of parliament have a first degree as minimum qualification to join the House, saying this will allow them to effectively carry out their duties.

Commenting on the requirement, one Godfrey Karokora noted that some MPs do not have enough education to execute the tasks they are charged with.

“…we want legislators who are graduates…”he summed up his opinion.

He also suggested that MPs should not be paid salaries by the government since they are not civil servants but rather public representatives. According to him, giving salaries to them is akin to embezzlement of public funds.

Karokora said the government should stop providing subsidies to political parties but to instead direct them to find alternative revenue sources.

“We advise the government to remove special seats in parliament because they contribute to increasing the burden on taxpayers…” he suggested adding that the number of MPs should also reduced to one MP for each region.

A resident of Tabata in Ilala district, Dar es Salaam, Francis Kakoti was of the opinion that MPs should not be appointed to ministerial posts since it affects their performance in their constituencies.

Another contributor, Gordon Kiaro urged the government form an independent electoral commission to ensure fair elections. He said the commission members should come from different organisations and be placed under the Chief Judge.

The CRC started collecting opinions in Dar-es-Salaam on November 19, this year and continues to do so.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN