Tanzania's Constituent Assembly (CA) on Wednesday (October 8th) presented a draft of the country's new constitution to President Jakaya Kikwete, more than two years after Kikwete announced a review of the current document, Tanzania's Daily News reported.
Zanzibari President Ali Mohammed Shein also received the draft constitution from CA Chairman Samuel Sitta at Jamhuri Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Kikwete promised that all Tanzanians would have the opportunity to give feedback on the draft constitution.
"The document has considered the interests of farmers, livestock keepers, people living with disabilities, artists and women, among others," Kikwete said. "It is up to you now to endorse it through a referendum."
Under Tanzanian law, the draft should be submitted to a public referendum within 84 days of its receipt by the president. "However, this may be impossible since [the National Electoral Commission] is yet to update the voters registrar and this process is likely to be completed by May next year," Kikwete said.
Kikwete acknowledged that the review process had been marked by difficulties and controversy, and encouraged dissidents to make their voices heard in the next round of review.
"I understand though that there are some people whose issues have not been included, but they should understand that the journey is long, not everything can be achieved at once," he said.
