By
Adonis Byemelwa
The
debate on a new constitution, the protection of national resources, and
abductions were among the key issues discussed by presidential candidates for
the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS). The debate lasted 150 minutes, equivalent to
2 hours and 30 minutes.
These
topics served as crucial points for each candidate during the debate, where
they answered questions posed by the moderator, Chief Odemba, a popular
journalist from Star TV. The debate, featuring all six presidential candidates,
went viral on social media.
Among
the candidates' responses, some offered strategies to address these issues,
while one candidate distanced himself from the topics, stating it was not the
TLS president's role to oversee them.
The
debate involved six lawyers vying to succeed Harold Sungusia, the outgoing
president. The candidates are Sweetbert Nkuba, Revocatus Kuuli, Boniface
Mwabukusi, Paul Kaunda, Ibrahim Bendera, and Emmanuel Muga.
A
notable aspect of the debate was Nkuba's association with the ruling party,
CCM, which raised questions. Nkuba clarified that his candidacy was to
represent lawyers, not CCM. He emphasized that every candidate has the
constitutional right to belong to a political party, and the TLS presidency is
for the lawyers' interests.
All
six candidates will test their policy ideas and influence among fellow lawyers
on August 2, 2024, in Dodoma, when the election will take place. The TLS
general assembly will be opened by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Highlights
from the debate included Bendera's pledge to advise the government on amending
constitutional deficiencies, particularly in human rights, such as the right to
assemble without requiring police permission. He also advocated for bail
issuance to be under judicial authority rather than the police.
On
abductions, Bendera expressed concern and vowed to advise the government to
ensure swift reporting and investigation of such incidents. The question was
prompted by claims of people being abducted or disappearing under mysterious
circumstances, leaving families and friends in distress. Prominent cases
include politician Ben Saanane and journalist Azory Gwanda, who have been
missing for five years.
Regarding
the protection of national resources, Bendera stated that he would work with
the TLS leadership council to advise the government and, if necessary, take
legal action.
Kaunda's
stance on a new constitution was similar to Bendera's, promising to advise the
government to continue from the 2014 draft constitution, chaired by Judge
Joseph Warioba. He also pledged to press for the establishment of a judicial
commission to investigate abductions, citing a precedent set by former
President Julius Nyerere.
Nkuba,
meanwhile, noted the need for constitutional amendments to reflect current
needs and promised to advise the government on restarting the stalled
constitutional process from 2014. On abductions, he called for strict laws
against perpetrators and advocated for better utilization of lawyers in
international contract negotiations to benefit the nation.
Muga,
however, argued that the TLS president has no direct authority to deliver a new
constitution or address abductions, stating that promising such outcomes
misleads voters. He called for a collaborative effort between lawyers and the
public to protect national resources.
Kuuli,
supporting the call for a new constitution, highlighted issues with the current
law enforcement approach to abductions, advocating for preventive measures.
Mwabukusi, emphasizing his 14 years of legal experience, promised to use all
available avenues, including public mobilization, to push for a new
constitution and protect national resources.
The
debate also touched on the candidates' qualifications, with Bendera, Kaunda,
and Nkuba highlighting their leadership experience and legal expertise. Muga
pointed to his diverse background in law and journalism, while Kuuli emphasized
his international legal experience.
The
debate, moderated by Chief Odemba, was held at the University of Dar es Salaam
library and broadcast live on Star TV's "Medani za Siasa." It sparked
widespread discussion on social media, reflecting the public's keen interest in
the future leadership of the TLS.