This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
On September 25, 2019, a Tanzanian man, Dezydelius Patrick Mgoya, filed a constitutional petition in the High Court in Dar es Salaam challenging the presidential term limits in Tanzania.
According to the Tanzanian Constitution, a president can serve a maximum of two terms, each lasting five years. However, Mr. Mgoya believes that this limit should be scrapped, allowing President John Magufuli to remain in office longer.
Mr. Mgoya's petition argues that setting a term limit infringes on the people's basic rights to vote and be voted for. He claims that barring anyone from standing for office as long as it is within their right should be declared illegal.
Mr. Mgoya's move has sparked debate, with some accusing him of being used to advance political interests. However, he denies these claims, stating that they are mere malicious rumours.
President Magufuli has previously reiterated his position against extending his term beyond the constitutional limit. Nevertheless, Mr. Mgoya remains optimistic that he will get a favourable ruling, calling it a 'historic decision'.
