JK: New Katiba in people’s hands

President Jakaya Kikwete said yesterday that the fate of the proposed new constitution now lay squarely in the hands of the people themselves.

He said all eligible Tanzanians would have their say on whether to adopt or reject the proposed Katiba in a referendum.

The President was speaking after he and the Zanzibar President, Dr Ali Mohammed Shein, received the proposed Mother Law from the Constituent Assembly chairman, Mr Samuel Sitta, at the Jamhuri Stadium.

President Kikwete said it is the referendum would legitimise the proposed constitution as the initial stage of the review process was now in the past.

Presidents Jakaya Kikwete and Zanzibar’s President Ali Mohammed Shein lift the proposed new constitution after receiving it from former Constituent Assembly chairman Samuel Sitta during the handing over ceremony at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma yesterday

He nevertheless gave his emphatic approval of the document but he left the nation guessing when such a referendum would be held.

“Today marks the end the Constituent Assembly and the beginning of the final step that directly involves the people themselves,” President Kikwete said.

Reaching out to those who feel left out in the process which divided the CA and led to a boycott, largely by members of the opposition parties, Mr Kikwete said the proposed Katiba was not an end in itself.

“Those whose views were left out should take heart and be patient. Not everything that we want is attainable in a day.”

He revealed that talks were ongoing to see how best to handle the referendum. He hinted that among the suggestions was whether to conduct a referendum in 84 days as the law says.

“There was also talk of extending the life of the current Parliament so that the next elections are held under the new constitution,” said Mr Kikwete. He, however, declared that he quickly dismissed the idea of extending his presidency.

Analysts say the President was still keen on delivering on his new constitution promise.

He revealed that he faced anxious moments during the turbulent days of the CA sittings, adding, however, that he was pleased the country overcome hurdles and moved on.