WHY SECRET BALLOT IS NOW SITTA'S NIGHTMARE

The chairman of the Constituent Assembly, Mr Samuel Sitta, today embarks on what could be his baptism of fire since his election to the sensitive position over a week ago.

Mr Sitta will attempt to solve one of the thorniest issues yet to bedevil the CA, with the 629 members so far failing to agree on what mode of voting should be adopted by the assembly.

The matter was so divisive that it was left pending when the committee that formulated the CA regulations under Prof Costa Ricky Mahalu presented its report.

Not even a reconciliatory team named by the then interim chairman, Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho, could break the deadlock on the method of voting.

Many CA members and independent commentators view how Members the Constituent Assembly (MCAs) should vote as an important weapon in winning  in sticky points of the new constitution making process in the face of any stark political differences or vested interests.

Some  MCAs have told The Citizen that the high stakes on whether an open or secret vote should prevail has been heightened by early signs that the ruling CCM was hell bent on pushing its own agenda.      

“We know CCM has a direct interest with the open voting system with President Kikwete and Mr Sitta having already taken sides on this. Therefore the MCAs shouldn’t  allow it to happen,” Mr John Mnyika told The Citizen yesterday.

Mr Mnyika, who is also the Ubungo MP from the opposition Chadema, cautioned that adopting an open voting system would mean CCM will bulldoze its way  through. “It will kill democracy and public interest at the altar of political demigods,” he said.

While those who overwhelmingly voted for Mr Sitta say he should be given the benefit of doubt to remain neutral, others argue his CCM membership, and the President’s weekend address to the CA that left little doubt what he expects of the process – lives him with little room to manoeuvre.

“Sitta is now faced with making a tough decision to either side with CCM that has expressly told its MPs and other inclined members to settle for nothing other than open voting,” said a CCM member who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity that his party has attached to those it viewed as ‘rebels’ advocating the secret vote.

He said a secret vote will enable members make independent decisions. “Some of us from CCM have not been swayed by President Kikwete’s position and will not change the resolve to back secret vote,” said the MP from the Lake Zone.

He advised that Mr Sitta to look for a mutual consensus on the matter before proceeding. Mr Sitta was not immediately available yesterday for comment but soon after his election, he was quoted as pledging to steer the house fairly, and that he will be guided by the wider interest of the nation.

He pledged last Friday that stalemate on the voting method will be resolved this week ahead of naming of various committees to embark on the job proper.          

Mr Mnyika pleaded with fellow MCAs to defeat any party propaganda and instead defend their right of a secret vote.

However, he added that the decision to go for open or secret vote will depend on who will become the steering committee chairperson. He added that the decision will also depend on who will be selected to join the chairman’s advisory committee.

Mr Ezekiah Oluoch said MCAs had already agreed to reach a consensus by sidelining selfish interests.

 “I cannot speak for others but I believe in the secret vote…. this will ensure privacy and security to all MCAs,” the trade unionist said.

Yesterday, CCM’s publicity and ideology secretary, Mr Nape Nnauye, said the CA should be left alone to decide on the matter.