Tanzania’s elections are vulnerable to state abuse – urgent law reforms are needed
This was made most apparent by the 2019 local elections and the 2020 general elections.
- This was made most apparent by the 2019 local elections and the 2020 general elections.
- The United Nations, research think-tanks and various media noted these elections as the most unfree and unfair since the return of the multiparty system in 1992.
- The 2019 and 2020 elections, more than the previous ones, underscored the extent to which the electoral law could be abused by the state.
- I have researched party politics in Tanzania and it is my view that electoral reforms are urgent, given that local elections are scheduled for December 2024.
History
- To understand the influence of the ruling party’s control of the electoral framework in Tanzania it is important to look back at the history of the multiparty system.
- This was later enshrined in the constitution of 1977, blurring the line between the ruling party and the state.
- It comes as no surprise that all elections since the re-introduction of the multiparty system have delivered victory to the ruling party.
Reform package falls short
- Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania sensed a golden opportunity to reform the election landscape.
- Top of the agenda was electoral law reform.
- This also featured strongly in submissions to a special task force formed by the government to collect opinions on political reforms.
- The government promised to start the review process and subsequently tabled the electoral law reforms bills in the parliament.
Aikande Clement Kwayu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.