Chadema, CUF MPs stage Bunge walkout

 

 

Dodoma. Chadema and CUF legislators yesterday walked out of Parliament’s debating chamber in protest at the tabling of the Constitutional Review (Amendment) Bill, 2013.

The walkout followed fierce debate on what opposition lawmakers said was improper collection of views on the Bill.

They said the exercise marginalised stakeholders from Zanzibar, which is part of the Union.

The walkout paralysed House business for more than five minutes. CCM MPs mocked their opposition counterparts as they were leaving the debating chamber.

Earlier, Opposition Chief Whip Tundu Lissu said the Bill could lead to a “constitutional deadlock” since its preparations did not involve stakeholders from Zanzibar. He said Zanzibaris did not get an opportunity to air views on the matter.

“This Bill is what we expect to produce new Constitution...since it lacks the views a union partner, the envisaged Constitution will not be complete and will not ensure equality among us,” he said.

Mr Habib Mohammed Mnyaa (Mkanyageni-CUF) sought the Speaker’s guidance about the unequal involvement of stakeholders in providing views.

“I request you to order the withdrawal of this Bill because it is not fair for the Zanzibar side,” he appealed.Mr Khatib Said Haji (Konde-CUF) said he had received a threatening message on a piece of paper reading, “Today you are supporting Tundu Lissu, we will deal with you.”

He and other MPs from both Chadema and CUF then stood up and walked out of the debating chamber.
The citizen