Tanzania court rejects plea to block law curbing opposition

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Tanzania court rejects plea to block law curbing opposition

9:44 CAT | 14 Jan 2019

Opposition politician Zitto Kabwe was among the people who filed the petition

The High Court in Tanzania has snubbed a petition filed by a coalition of 10 opposition parties against a bill that they argue will make the country one step closer to a one-party state.

The court however rejected the opposition case on technicalities citing a law that forbids a draft bill to be challenged in court when it is being considered by the National Assembly.

The proposed draft law governs political parties’ activities.

It proposes an expansion of the grounds on which authorities can suspend political parties and jail their members. It also gives a president-appointed official the power to de-register parties.

The bill, which was first tabled in November, is expected be debated when parliament resumes later this month.

The ruling party enjoys the majority in the National Assembly and the bill is expected to sail through.

Source: BBC