National Assembly (Tanzania)

National Assembly (Tanzania)
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Name	National Assembly
Native name	Bunge la Tanzania
Legislature	Parliament of Tanzania
House type	Unicameral
Body	Tanzania
Jurisdiction	Tanzania
Foundation	1926 (Legislative Council of Tanganyika), 1961 (Tanganyika Legislative Assembly), 1964 (current form)
Preceded by	Tanganyika Legislative Assembly
Leader1 type	Speaker
Leader1	Tulia Ackson
Election1	2022
Leader2 type	Deputy Speaker
Leader2	Mussa Zungu
Election2	2022
Leader3 type	Prime Minister
Leader3	Kassim Majaliwa
Election3	2015
Leader4 type	Leader of the Opposition
Leader4	Tundu Lissu
Election4	2020
Members	393
Political groups1	Government (365), Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM): 365, Opposition (28), Chadema: 20, Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT–Wazalendo): 7, Civic United Front (CUF): 1
Voting system1	First-past-the-post (264 seats), Indirect election (113 seats), Attorney General (1 seat), Nominated by the President (10 seats)
Last election1	25 October 2020
Next election1	2025
Meeting place	Parliament Building, Dodoma
Website	www.parliament.go.tz

National Assembly (Tanzania). The National Assembly, known as Bunge in Swahili, is the unicameral legislative body of the United Republic of Tanzania. It is a central institution within the political framework established by the Constitution of Tanzania. The assembly convenes in the designated capital city of Dodoma, where it debates and enacts legislation, oversees the executive branch, and represents the interests of the Tanzanian populace.

History

The origins of the National Assembly trace back to the colonial-era Legislative Council of Tanganyika, established in 1926 under British rule. Following independence in 1961, it was reconstituted as the Tanganyika Legislative Assembly. After the Zanzibar Revolution and the subsequent union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964, forming Tanzania, the current National Assembly was established. Its evolution has been shaped by the nation's transition to a single-party system under Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the return to multi-party politics in 1992 following constitutional amendments. Key historical sessions have addressed major national policies, including the Arusha Declaration of 1967 under President Julius Nyerere.

Composition and election

The National Assembly is composed of 393 members. A majority of members, 264, are directly elected from constituencies using the first-past-the-post system during general elections. The isles of Zanzibar elect 50 representatives to the union parliament. Additionally, 113 seats are filled through indirect election: 102 women are elected by political parties based on their proportional share of the vote, five members are chosen by the Zanzibar House of Representatives, and five represent groups like the National Youth Council. The Attorney General of Tanzania holds an ex-officio seat, and the President of Tanzania may nominate up to ten members. This structure is mandated by the Constitution of Tanzania.

Powers and functions

The assembly's primary power is the enactment of laws for the United Republic of Tanzania, excluding non-union matters reserved for the Zanzibar House of Representatives. It holds the critical power of the purse, approving the national budget and all government taxation proposals. The body exercises oversight over the executive through mechanisms such as question time, parliamentary committees, and approving states of emergency. It also ratifies international treaties and agreements, such as those with the African Union and the United Nations. Furthermore, it has the power to amend the Constitution of Tanzania and initiate motions of no confidence.

Leadership and committees

The presiding officer is the Speaker, elected by members from outside their ranks; the current speaker is Tulia Ackson. A Deputy Speaker assists in this role. The leader of government business in the house is the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa. The official opposition is led by the Leader of the Opposition, a position held by Chadema's Tundu Lissu. Legislative work is organized through a system of standing select committees, such as those for Budgetary Affairs, Constitutional and Legal Affairs, and Public Accounts, which scrutinize specific government departments and proposed legislation in detail.

Relationship with the government

The National Assembly maintains a complex relationship with the government, particularly the presidency. The President of Tanzania, currently Samia Suluhu Hassan, is not a member of the assembly but addresses it and assents to bills. The Prime Minister of Tanzania and the Cabinet are drawn from and are accountable to the assembly, requiring its confidence to govern. While the dominant party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has historically commanded a large majority, the opposition, including Chadema and ACT–Wazalendo, provides scrutiny and alternative viewpoints during debates in Dodoma.

Current composition and recent elections

Following the 2020 Tanzanian general election, the composition of the National Assembly is heavily dominated by the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which holds 365 seats. The main opposition parties are Chadema with 20 seats, the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT–Wazalendo) with 7, and the Civic United Front (CUF) with 1 seat. The election was overseen by the National Electoral Commission and was contested by observers from the African Union and the SADC. The next general election is scheduled for 2025, which will determine the assembly's composition for the subsequent term.