Magufuli Displeased with Proposal to Extend Presidential Term

Magufuli has once again inspired hope in African leaders after vehemently dismissing debates to extend presidential term limits from 5 years to 7 years. Some members of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi had been calling for the extension but the party said, "President Magufuli has appealed to Tanzanians to ignore such calls because the issue of presidential term extension has never been discussed by top organs of the ruling party," and that Magufuli would not try to make any such change during his presidency. If anything, the party said such debates displease the President. 

Last year, Magufuli rejected calls to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two terms arguing, "I have sworn to defend the constitution ... I shall play my part and pass on the leadership reins to the next president when the time comes.”

Clearly, there are some overzealous party members who are trying to push for constitutional reforms but the leader is adamant: No change is coming anytime soon.  In 2017, one Cham Cha Mapinduzi lawmaker, Juma Nkamia called for the extension arguing it would save money. 

Magufuli's first term ends in 2020 and if reelected, the current constitution does not allow him to stand for the 2025 elections.

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