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{
    "id": 52036,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/52036/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 428,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "The Assistant Minister for Tourism (",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "I think we need to be very clear what that “part-time basis” means. This is because I imagine that the ones who will be appointed immediately after this Act will have a lot work. Two, they say that they will stagger the appointment of these Commissioners. Why would you appoint four commissioners now and then after a period of not more than 12 months, appoint the rest? Of what use is it to appoint some commissioners, and especially at this point in time when we are starting a new and energized commission? Why not appoint them all together and then stagger the period at which they complete their terms, so that there is no vacuum at any one time? For now I feel that at the beginning we need them all on board because there is a lot of work. They need to move together in sync instead of coming in at different times and each one comes with their own way of doing things. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the other issue that we need to look at is how political parties manage their nominations. I am very happy that this Constitution has given a lifeline to politicians and that is the issue of independent candidates because this will push political parties to ensure that there are inbuilt democratic institutions and ensure that when it comes to nominations we have level playing ground for all. I would like to know if the Minister can look at how we will ensure that political parties are held to account on this issue. Although the Commission will oversee the nominations, we need to be very clear on the procedure. This is because if, at the end of it all, the Commission asks political parties for money to pay the officers on the ground as it happened in 2007, you will find many political parties will not afford to do so. Therefore, the process of nomination will not be fair and we will not afford it. So, I hope that the Minister will be able to see how to tie up these loose ends, so that we have a more comprehensive Bill that we can depend on even in the future. With those few remarks, I beg to support and urge hon. Members to really support this Bill. We should look at it above our party and tribal interests."
}