The chairman of the Constituent Assembly has appointed a 30-member team to negotiate a consensus two weeks before the constitution-making body resumes its sittings.

Samuel Sitta appointed clergymen as well as opposition and ruling party officials, including Freeman Mbowe of Chadema, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba of Civic United Front (CUF) and James Mbatia of NCCR-Mageuzi, to the team.

He said the “negotiation committee” would hold its consultation meetings on July 24 and 25 to “discuss how to accomplish the task given to the Constituent Assembly by the president on behalf of the Tanzanian people.”

But the opposition termed the move unnecessary and time-wasting and accused the ruling party of being evasive instead of addressing the issues that created the impasse.

“If that’s the way to solve the problem, then I can say that it is a foolish way,” Tundu Lissu, the outspoken opposition chief whip, told The EastAfrican.

“We are going to refuse to join that group and CCM will be embarrassed.

“All what they are saying and doing is just playing politics.”

The lawyer is among opposition members under the Umoja wa Katiba ya Wananchi (Ukawa) grouping. Earlier this year, Ukawa members walked out of the CA after accusing CCM delegates of trying to derogate from the draft constitution presented by the Judge Joseph Warioba-led commission.

READ: CCM takes control of succession to avert split

Ever since, there have been calls urging Ukawa to return to the House so as accomplish the process ahead of next year’s polls, as president Jakaya Kikwete desperately wants to leave a constitution legacy.

Mr Lissu says the process needs five years to accomplish. His sentiments were shared by renowned constitutional lawyer Prof Issa Shivji, who told The EastAfrican that the anxiety has been enhanced by the shortage of time.

“When they started this process, they thought they would finish in time, before next year’s elections,” he said. “But I have always said this process needs more time.

“The time is not enough, because the process will culminate in a referendum.”

The Constitution Review Act sets timelines for presentation of the draft before the CA, debating and publishing it and then the referendum — all in less than a year.

Section 33 of the Act requires the Electoral Commission to organise the referendum within 14 days fter publication of the draft.