The Speaker of Tanzania’s National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu, has called on newly sworn-in Members of Parliament to respect the dignity of their offices, following the completion of their swearing-in ceremony at the start of the 13th Parliament in Dodoma on Wednesday.
“Honourable Members of Parliament, I thank you very much for the good work you have done; we have completed this process successfully,” Speaker Zungu said. “Now, all of you have the status of a Member of Parliament according to the law. And being an MP is an honour — respect yourselves in public, respect yourselves in this chamber, and respect your constituents who sent you here.”
He added that on Thursday, the House would convene for its Third Sitting of the First Meeting of the 13th Parliament, during which the agenda would include the confirmation of the Prime Minister’s appointment, the election of the Deputy Speaker, and the administration of their oath of office.
MPs Voice Hopes for a Hardworking and Unifying Prime Minister
Following the completion of the swearing-in process, several MPs expressed their expectations for the next Prime Minister, who is set to be nominated and confirmed on Thursday.
Emmanuel Cherehani, the MP for Ushetu, said he hopes for a leader who will work closely with fellow MPs and respond effectively to citizens’ concerns.
“I really wish we get a Prime Minister who will unite and work together with his MPs,” Cherehani said. “He should focus on solving people’s problems, visit all areas, and connect citizens with the government. Most importantly, he should be someone who listens and is easily accessible.”
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Anne Kilango Malecela, MP for Same Mashariki, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a diligent leader who mirrors the work ethic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“I expect we will have a hardworking Prime Minister because the President is hardworking,” Kilango said. “President Samia took over from the late President Magufuli and has travelled across the country seeking votes and learning more about her nation. She is a performer and a worker, so we expect the Prime Minister to have the same character.”
Calls for Unity and Strong Leadership
Other MPs underscored the importance of unity and principled leadership in the next government.
“We truly hope to have a Prime Minister who will first unite us MPs so that we can speak with one voice for the sake of Tanzania’s development and peace,” said Salim Alaudin Hasham, MP for Ulanga. “We also expect a Prime Minister with firm principles, who can correct the behaviour of public officials so they serve Tanzania with greater patriotism.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Joel Nanauka, MP for Mtwara, noted that the choice of Prime Minister ultimately depends on the President’s vision and the current political and national context.
“First, it must be understood that the Prime Minister is the President’s own proposal,” he said. “And often, it depends on the direction of the Head of State and the times we are in.”
The nomination and confirmation of the Prime Minister are scheduled to take place on Thursday, marking a key step in the formation of Tanzania’s 13th government.
