Tanzania highlights governance progress at 153rd IPU Assembly

ARUSHA, TANZANIA: Chairperson of the Tanzania IPU Parliamentary Group, Damas Ndumbaro, has said Tanzania is seizing the ongoing 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha to highlight the progress the country has made in good governance and democracy in general.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, which has brought together more than 2,000 delegates from across the globe in the northern part of the country, Dr Ndumbaro said many people view good governance and democracy in Tanzania from a narrow perspective.

However, the parliamentarian said that when viewed from a broader and more professional perspective, Tanzania has made significant progress in this area.

Dr Ndumbaro said good governance and democracy are highly observed in Tanzania, particularly the principles of national leadership.

“Tanzania has been governed under various constitutions, beginning with the first Constitution of 1961, followed by the Constitution of 1962, the Constitution of 1965, the subsequent Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, and the 1977 Constitution, which has continued to be respected and is based on the principles of good governance,” he said.

Elaborating, Dr Ndumbaro said that in a democracy, elections have been held under a multiparty system, in which various political parties participate.

“Good governance is characterised by respect for the law; when an offence is committed, a person is tried in accordance with the law, and if no offence has been committed, no one is arbitrarily prosecuted or punished,” he said.

For her part, Member of Parliament for Kigoma North, Aziza Mayeye, said the Assembly was already bringing multiplier effects to local communities, as more people were benefiting from businesses and service providers in Arusha and neighbouring regions.

The MP said various sectors, such as hotels, transport operators and other businesses, had experienced increased activity as delegates arrived from different countries.

On the other hand, Dr Pindi Chana said Tanzania was benefiting from the presence of international delegates, describing the Assembly as an opportunity for countries to learn from one another and strengthen cooperation.

The lawmaker commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership, particularly on issues affecting the country, as she welcomed delegates to experience a different atmosphere.

Dr Chana also highlighted the importance of Kiswahili as a language that connects Tanzania with other African countries, while calling for greater cooperation among nations with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

She said the Assembly was creating opportunities for Tanzanian businesses, particularly those in Arusha and neighbouring areas, to benefit from the increased international activity.

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“Trade, transport and other services are among the sectors that can benefit from the international presence brought by the Assembly,” she said.

Dr Chana also praised the participation of women in leadership, saying Tanzania’s experience demonstrated that women could successfully occupy senior positions and contribute to national and international decision-making.

She pointed to the growing participation of women in fields including engineering, science, medicine, accounting and politics as evidence of the contribution women are making to national development.

Another MP, Asha Juma Feruzi, said discussions at the Assembly were addressing issues that directly affect people’s lives, including employment, education, social development and citizen participation.

She said Tanzania was particularly interested in discussions concerning young people and the creation of an environment that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

According to Feruzi, youth forums held alongside the Assembly had provided an opportunity to discuss education, employment and social support for young people.

She also stressed the importance of addressing violence affecting families and communities, saying parliamentary action should contribute to finding practical solutions to challenges facing citizens.

Feruzi described the Assembly as a historic opportunity for Tanzania to demonstrate what the country has to offer while allowing international delegates to experience the country beyond the conference venue.

She also praised IPU President Dr Tulia Ackson, saying Tanzania was proud of her achievements and her role on the international parliamentary stage.