Tanzania's National Assembly has approved Deogratius Ndejembi as the country's Vice-President, filling the vacancy created by Emmanuel Nchimbi's resignation. The vote took place during the Fourth Session of the 13th Parliament in Dodoma, according to Daily News. All 324 lawmakers present backed the nomination, making the 43-year-old former Energy Minister the youngest person to hold the country's second-highest office.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan put Ndejembi's name before the House through Ambassador Ali Jabir Mwadini, who was accompanied by the President's Military Aide-de-Camp. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba then moved the motion seeking approval, acting under Article 50(4) of the 1977 Constitution and Rule 42 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, 2025.
Why it matters
The handover has drawn fresh scrutiny to the rules that govern a vacancy in the vice-presidency, a subject that generated wide public discussion after Nchimbi stepped down. Daily News reports that lawyers, political analysts and ordinary citizens debated the circumstances in which a Vice-President may leave office and how a replacement is chosen.
The sequence also illustrates how three institutions share responsibility in such a situation: the President names a successor, the Constitution sets the timetable, and Parliament must confirm the choice by majority vote. President Samia and Nchimbi were sworn in on November 3, 2025, so the change comes early in her second term.
What the Constitution requires
Article 50(4) states that when the vice-presidency falls vacant through removal by Parliament, death or resignation, the President must appoint a successor promptly and no later than 14 days afterward. Parliament then has to endorse the appointment by a majority of its members.
Attorney General Hamza Johari addressed the House before the vote to clear up questions raised by Nchimbi's departure. He said the former Vice-President's letter named September 4 as the effective date, subject to the President's acceptance. Under Article 50(2), Johari explained, a resignation takes effect either when the notice is received or on a later date set out in the letter, meaning Nchimbi would remain in office until September 4.
The Attorney General also raised the question of whether other constitutional circumstances affecting a person's eligibility could arise before that date, and said Article 50(4) — the provision that had attracted the most public attention — chiefly sets out how a vacancy is filled.
The case for the nominee
Presenting the motion, Prime Minister Nchemba pointed to Ndejembi's leadership record, his grasp of how government works and his capacity to work closely with the President. He also cited his academic credentials, his judgement on national matters and his coordination skills as demonstrated at the Energy Ministry.
"I have no doubt that the Honourable House will agree with me that the position has been given to the right person to assist the President in carrying out major national responsibilities," Nchemba told lawmakers, according to Daily News.
The Prime Minister said Ndejembi, 43, had been active in Chama Cha Mapinduzi for many years, starting at grassroots level and later joining the party's National Executive Council. He also set out the office's duties under Article 47(1), which makes the Vice-President the President's principal assistant on all matters concerning the United Republic. The holder helps oversee the implementation of Union matters, carries out tasks assigned by the President and performs presidential functions when the President is absent or abroad. Article 47(8) places those powers under the President's direction and supervision, with the Vice-President accountable to the Head of State.
Lawmakers back the choice
Several members spoke in support during the debate. Joseph Musukuma (Geita Rural-CCM), who sat with Ndejembi on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy, called him disciplined and honest.
"He has never undermined anyone. You cannot secure a position by undermining your colleagues. A position should come to you on merit, not by bringing someone else down," Musukuma said. He added that Tanzania needs young leaders with practical, innovative ideas and urged the new Vice-President to help the President tackle national challenges.
Kenneth Nollo (Bahi-CCM), who said he has known Ndejembi since 1993, described him as compassionate and caring.
Ndejembi now steps into an office whose occupant must be ready to act for the President when she is out of the country. Watch for how quickly he settles into the role and how the opposition responds to the manner of his confirmation.
