In 1992, Tanzania embarked on a bold journey by reintroducing multi-party democracy, raising hopes for inclusivity, accountability, and vibrant political competition.
Now, 32 years later, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. While the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has maintained an unbroken grip on power, opposition parties struggle to establish a cohesive and credible presence.
Meanwhile, restrictive laws and an uneven political landscape have stifled progress, raising concerns about the regression of democratic freedoms.
This article delves into Tanzania’s democratic journey, analyzing the internal dynamics of political parties, the external challenges of a restrictive political environment, and the legislative hurdles hindering democratic growth.
Finally, we explore potential pathways toward a more inclusive and competitive political future.
1. Democracy within Political Parties: Internal Challenges
The health of a democracy can often be gauged by the internal practices of its political parties. Unfortunately, Tanzanian political parties—both ruling and opposition—often exhibit authoritarian tendencies.
Internal democracy is frequently stifled by favouritism, a lack of transparency in decision-making, and the concentration of power among a few individuals.
For opposition parties, leadership disputes and fragmentation have further weakened their ability to provide a united front against the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
For example, the repeated infighting within the Civic United Front (CUF) and the internal tensions within Chadema have limited their ability to capitalize on moments of public discontent. This lack of cohesion undermines public confidence in their capacity to govern effectively.
2. External Challenges: Restrictive Political Environment
The external political environment in Tanzania poses significant challenges to the opposition. The dominance of CCM, in power since independence, has resulted in an uneven playing field where state resources are often utilized to maintain political hegemony. Opposition parties face harassment, restrictions on rallies, and limited media coverage access.
Elections in Tanzania, particularly at the presidential level, often seem like mere formalities rather than true reflections of the people’s will. The 2015 and 2020 general elections highlighted this concern.
In 2015, the opposition coalition (UKAWA) garnered significant public support, yet accusations of irregularities marred the process. The 2020 elections saw a further tightening of the democratic space, with opposition leaders facing arrests and CCM securing an overwhelming majority that raised questions about the fairness of the process.
Local elections have also been contentious. In 2019, the opposition boycotted local polls, citing procedural irregularities, with CCM winning nearly all seats unopposed. These examples illustrate a pattern where elections legitimise predetermined outcomes rather than genuine democratic contests.
RELATED: The Interplay of People, Politics, and Change: Insights into Tanzania’s Transformation
3. Legal Frameworks: Instruments of Control
Tanzania’s legal framework has often been criticized for restricting democratic freedoms. Laws such as the Political Parties Act, the Media Services Act, and the Cybercrimes Act have been wielded to curtail dissent and opposition activities.
The Political Parties Act amendments of 2019 granted extensive powers to the Registrar of Political Parties, effectively allowing state interference in party affairs.
The Public Assemblies Act has also been used to ban political rallies under the guise of maintaining public order. These restrictions disproportionately target opposition parties, limiting their ability to engage with citizens and build momentum between election cycles.
4. Elections as Formalities: A Troubling Trend
The recurring pattern of elections being reduced to formalities highlights the regression of Tanzania’s democracy. Despite the introduction of multi-party politics, CCM has maintained a grip on power, often through mechanisms that undermine free and fair competition.
For example, in the 2020 elections, President John Magufuli won with an unprecedented 84% of the vote amid reports of widespread voter suppression and irregularities.
While CCM supporters celebrated the landslide victory, it eroded public trust in the electoral process. The lack of a credible opposition presence in parliament has weakened the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The 32 years of multi-party democracy in Tanzania present a mixed picture. While some progress has been made in fostering political pluralism, the democratic space remains constrained by internal party weaknesses, an imbalanced political environment, and restrictive legal frameworks.
To move forward positively:
1. Strengthen Internal Democracy: Political parties must embrace transparent and inclusive practices, ensuring that leadership disputes are resolved democratically. Opposition parties should prioritize unity to present a credible alternative to the ruling party.
2. Reform the Legal Framework: Laws that curtail political freedoms must be reviewed and amended to ensure a level playing field. The independence of electoral institutions should be guaranteed to restore public confidence.
3. Promote Civic Engagement: Citizens must be educated on their rights and encouraged to participate in political processes beyond voting, fostering a culture of accountability.
4. Encourage Dialogue: The government and opposition should engage in constructive dialogue to address grievances and build trust, focusing on national interests rather than partisan gains.
5. Strengthen Oversight Institutions: Independent institutions such as the judiciary and media must be empowered to hold all political actors accountable.
The journey toward a robust democracy is complex and requires collective effort from all stakeholders. By addressing these challenges and creating a more inclusive and competitive political environment, Tanzania has the potential to set a positive example for the region.
Only through a genuine commitment to democratic principles can the nation progress from regression to true advancement in its democratic evolution.