Catholic bishops want referendum to be held after General Election

[RUCCI]

Reverend Bishop Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa

The Catholic Bishops of Tanzania have given their stance on the Referendum for the New Constitution on which they are demanding that the exercise be postponed until after the general election in October this year.

In the Pastoral letter that was issued recently and signed by the President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), His Lordship Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa, the Bishops stated that in spite of the good things in the Draft Constitution, there are still some cardinal issues that require consideration which, if neglected, could lead the society into the wrong direction.

According to the Bishops, very few people so far have accessed the Draft Constitution which is about to be taken for referendum and the voter registration process for the Referendum is yet to be finished.

The Bishops doubt whether the process will be finished in time to allow for the Referendum to take place. They also noted that many people are ignorant on the Draft Constitution for which they are preparing to vote. "How can somebody vote for something he or she does not know?" they asked.

In the Pastoral Letter, the Bishops warned that hastening of getting a New Constitution could do more harm to the country than good.

''We cannot do referendum and general election so closely; all these are very sensitive issues that require time, education of citizens and preparation. Why rushing it?" They further said, "It is our duty as religious Leaders to advice our people."

In the Pastoral Letter, the Bishops went on to say that if government persists to hurriedly hold a Referendum, they will tell their faithful to vote against the Draft Constitution in the Referendum.

The Pastoral letter that was read in all Catholic churches yesterday and also printed in the church's run newspaper –Kiongozi- dated March 13-19.
"…we therefore advise that more time should be given before conducting the referendum or be postponed until after the General Elections slated for October 2015.

The bishops have questioned the basis for some political and government leaders to force their personal opinions.

Reached for comments, Political and Science Professor Mwesiga Baregu, said the church as one of the stakeholders has practiced its constitutional right which is to educate its followers and the general public.

According to him, the process towards getting the new country document will not be easily as there are some crucial aspects which have been omitted in the proposed constitution.

"I am supporting the church on this matter. The bishops action is aimed at avoiding conflicts that might occur after the referendum because the second document did not incorporate the majority opinions," said Prof Baregu.
For her part, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Executive Director, Dr Hellen Kijo-Bisimba said that such a move by Roman Catholics is the consequences of ignoring the views and opinions of the majority.

Bisimba noted that if the final draft of the constitution considered everybody's opinion, there would be not queries between the church and the government.

"It is high time the government suspends the referendum exercise until the coming General Election is over so as to provide enough education to the citizens," said the LHRC boss.

One of the believers, Florence Paul from St Martin De- Pores Parish in Mwananyamala, Kinondoni said, "I have heard the church statement but I will also read the proposed constitution before deciding on whether to vote or not".

Emmanule Alphonce from St Augustine Parish in Ukonga, Ilala District, Dar es Salaam said that he will abide by the church directive. He admitted to have not come across the new document.

Leaders of the Coalition of Defenders of the People's Constitution (UKAWA) declared in Dar es Salaam in January this year that their members will not participate in the coming referendum slated to take place countrywide end of April.

Ukawa co-chairman Professor Ibrahim Lipumba said that they have come to the decision after having interpreted and discussed ongoing preparations as currently being handled by the ruling party and seen that there are lots of irregularities in the process.

Addressing followers of Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and Wananchi from two Pemba regions during the 38th anniversary since the party's establishment at Old Gombani grounds, Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohammed Shein expressed utter dismay over the announcement by Ukawa to boycott the forthcoming referendum.

"We're preparing ourselves and we are moving on," Dr Shein declared.
He urged the government and the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to have all the required equipment ready for a free and fair referendum.

Source: ippmedia