This manoeuvre was the subject of severe criticism from a section of the opposition, who saw it as an attempt by the current president to stand for office a third time. 
Mpango huo ulikosolewa vikali na wapinzani wake, walioutafsiri kama mchezo wa rais aliyepo madarakani kufanya jaribio la kutaka kugombea kwa muhula wa tatu.