A Tanzanian lawmaker is proposing presidential terms be extended to save money on elections, a move that may let President John Magufuli stay longer in office and echo steps in other East African nations that critics say point to a decline in democracy.
Juma Nkamia, a former deputy information minister, said he will send his recommendation that terms be increased to seven years from five to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi, of which he is a member. Should the party approve it, he’ll submit a motion to parliament for a change in the law, he said in a phone interview. The CCM said it doesn’t share Nkamia’s position on the issue.
