‘CHADEMA’s demo proves Samia’s 4Rs practical’

DAR ES SALAAM: THE demonstration by the opposition CHADEMA yesterday reflects President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s wide-ranging reforms that have led to a new political dispensation in Tanzania, political analysts have said.

The party staged demonstrations in protest against proposed changes to electoral laws and the analysts said their approval showed President Samia had placed a strong emphasis on reconciliation, resilience, reform and rebuilding, her 4Rs philosophy.

The opposition party is protesting against proposed changes in the electoral laws contained in three bills the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Bill, 2023, the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Bill, 2023 and the Political Parties Affairs Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

The parliament collected views from the public before the bills were tabled for a second reading and passed into law.

A political analyst from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Paul Loisulie told the `Daily News’ that the demonstration had proved the political will of President Samia.

“For Regional Commissioner and Zonal Police Commander endorsing opposition party demonstration tells many things, but the biggest one is the political will of President Samia,” Dr Loisulie said.

“The political will of the president has been practically implemented, and this was revealed soon after she took over the office when she came up with her philosophy to address the current social, political and economic issues in the country.”

“Through yesterday’s opposition party demonstration, the political will that bears 4Rs has been well practically executed.”

He further noted that the move had helped the opposition supporters to breathe out which is good for peace and tranquility in the country.

Dr Paul Loisulie comments were echoed by analyst and a lecturer at Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Dr Ahmad Sovu, who said the demonstration revealed President Samia’s goodwill in doing reconciliation and political tolerance.

“If you look closely in 4Rs, the president likes her citizens to be in peace and security so that they can conduct their economic activities for individual benefit and the nation as a whole,” Dr Sovu said.

Dr Sovu added that the situation was a big step towards building more democracy and attaining true reconciliation between the ruling party and the opposition parties.

“This shows the democratic maturity among the ruling party and other parties along with other social groups,” he said.

Former Chairperson of the Tanzania Political Parties Council (TPPC), Mr John Shibuda said the demonstration by the main opposition party, CHADEMA, served as a good lesson in the country.

Through these peaceful demonstrations, it has proven that the police force can fulfil their duty of ensuring safety during demonstrations, stated Shibuda.

“It should be understood that truth is a crucial pillar in fostering peace and building a strong nation,” emphasised Shibuda.

“These protests will dispel the notion that President Samia is not committed to reconciliation,” added Shibuda.

Executive Director of the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), Anna Henga expressed, “The President has a genuine commitment to promoting reconciliation, evident since she took office. She willingly engaged with the main opposition party, and we, civil society organisations, invited her, and she attended.”

Ms Henga urged Human Rights defenders, civil societies and citizens to use the president’s goodwill to bring true reconciliation to air out their grievances.

“Now is the opportune moment for citizens, activists, and politicians to utilise the chance to open doors for demanding justice and expressing their grievances through dialogue,” highlighted Ms Henga.

She further challenged the security forces to rethink their ways of pre-empting and limiting the constitutionally guaranteed rights on unfounded fears.

“It is time for the security forces and those advising authorities to reflect and eliminate the fear that has led them to associate protests with chaos or violence,” advised Henga.