SADC body endorses Dr Tulia for IPU presidency
Members of the Southern Africa Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) have unanimously endorsed the nomination of Speaker of Tanzania’s Parliament, Dr Tulia Ackson for the position of President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
during its 53rd , held from 3rd to 8th July 2023 at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.
The members made the decision at the forum’s 53rd Plenary Assembly taking place in Arusha, Tanzania after the motion put forward by South African Parliamentarian, Darren Bergman and seconded by his Angolan counterpart, Pedro Sebastiao.
The duo called upon SADC PF members to support the candidature of Dr Tulia Ackson for the IPU’s highest top post.
Dr Tulia has been endorsed despite of other two Speakers from the regional block namely Advocate Jacob Mudenda and Catherine Gotani Hara, from Zimbabwe and Malawi respectively, declared to contest the post.
However, SADC PF Members unanimously decided to back Tanzanian as their candidate for IPU Presidency.
“This is a woman from the Tanzania, not only a woman but a female Speaker of and outstanding credibility. Not only a woman and credible speaker but a youthful female Speaker of Parliament of Tanzania at her youthful exuberance.
“A youthful female with a sound and enviable academic background. She is none other than Dr. Tulia Ackson. I pray to this august House to pick Dr. Tulia Ackson as our one and singular candidate at the coming IPU meeting at Luanda over the next 60 days”, said Pono Moatlhodi, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana.
The SADC PF endorsement comes just a few months after the Speakers of the Parliaments of the East African Community (EAC) member states resolved to rally behind Dr Tulia in her campaign for the presidency of IPU at their meeting on 19th May 2023 at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.
She has been fronted by the Government of Tanzania to contest for the IPU Presidency post.
Elections for the new President of the IPU will take place in Luanda, Angola on 27th October this year during the 147th Assembly of IPU.
If elected, Dr Tulia will lead the organization from 2023 to 2026 and will be the first woman from Africa to hold that prestigious position.
