Ruling party holding meeting on constitutional change

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in Zanzibar is currently holding a special meeting to discuss a constitutional amendment that would probably pave way for President Salmin Amour to run for a third term of presidency. A government official contacted by IRIN confirmed the meeting was underway, but said he did not have details of the agenda. He said the debate on the "president issue" had been pushed as the last agenda to be discussed late Wednesday. The Tanzanian 'Guardian' newspaper on Monday said the meeting, which is chaired by President Amour, will discuss recommendations to the CCM's national executive committee on the proposed constitutional amendments "aimed at prolonging the president's stay in office". President Amour's maximum two terms in office will end in October and the country's current constitution bars his re-election.