Team Okays Dual Citizenship

Dodoma. The Constituent Assembly (CA) committee number 12 has strongly recommended the introduction of dual citizenship in the new constitution.

The matter drew opposition on Tuesday from a couple of members in other committees.

CA Committee Number 12, which is led by Mr Paul Kimiti, is made up of high profile members, including leaders such as former Prime Minister Edward Lowasa and minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Prof Anna Tibaijuka.

Others include Speaker of Zanzibar House of Representatives, Mr Ameir Pandu Kificho, minister of State in the Vice President’s Office for Environment, Dr Binilith Mahenge and many others.

The committee has also withheld proposals in the second draft constitution to trim the powers of the president.

Speaking to reporters, the committee chairman, Mr Kimiti said almost all members of the committee suggested for the introduction of dual citizenship in the new constitution.

He said some said the status should not be offered automatically and that instead there must be legal procedures before declaring someone a citizen of Tanzania.

“Generally many members have nodded to the matter, though some suggested for legal procedures to be followed in granting the status,” he said.

According to Mr Kimiti, his committee has agreed that the article should be legally framed and presented before the CA for discussion. “We have agreed it should be included in the proposed draft,” he said.

He added: “many members were worried on what can happen in Zanzibar if dual citizenship is introduced by considering some Zanzibaris who left the country because of security reasons,” he said.

Mr Kimiti added that another issue, which caused hot debate was on the power of the President, which is found in chapter 7.

He said the committee has agreed to reduce the power of the President especially in appointing leaders and other governmental officials.