DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian prominent politician Lazaro Nyalandu announced on Monday that he is relinquishing his membership of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and joining leading opposition party Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA).
Nyalandu said in a statement that he had written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Job Ndugai, informing him of his resignation as a Member of Parliament for Singida North constituency where he has served as an MP since 2000.
Nyalandu, the former Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism under the fourth phase administration of retired President Jakaya Kikwete, said he had quit CCM because of its failure to nurture democracy in the east African country.
"CCM has failed to govern in a democratic manner. There are also lots of human rights violations under the watch of the ruling party," Nyalandu said in the statement issued to media houses across the country.
He also claimed that there is no clear separation of powers between the three pillars of state, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
"We need a new constitution that will help us attain our goals and strengthen democracy in the country," Nyalandu said.
"I have decided to quit CCM today, October 30, 2017, after serving the party in various posts, including the regional chairmanship of the ruling party's Youth Wing (UVCCM), MP for 17 years after being elected since 2000 and a member of the party's National Executive Committee," added the politician.
On October 19, Nyalandu said he intended to table a private motion in Parliament in November this year aimed at reviving the debate on a new constitution.
