Tanzania: Will Today's Civic Polls Mirror 2019's Flawed Elections?"
Today November 27, 2024, Tanzania is holding its local government elections amid rising tensions and accusations of electoral malpractice. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), faces serious allegations from opposition parties regarding the integrity of the electoral process, reminiscent of the deeply flawed elections of 2019. This article explores the current political landscape, the opposition’s claims of foul play, and the implications for Tanzania’s democratic future.
Background on Tanzania’s Political Climate
Tanzania has a long history of political dominance by the CCM, which has ruled since independence in 1961. The party’s grip on power has been characterized by allegations of electoral fraud, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of electoral laws. The 2019 local elections were boycotted by major opposition parties due to widespread violence and intimidation, resulting in CCM winning over 99% of the contested seats without significant opposition. This backdrop sets the stage for the upcoming elections, where fears of similar tactics loom large.
Current Election Context
The upcoming civic polls are crucial as they will determine chairpersons and councillors at various local levels—positions that significantly influence grassroots governance and political mobilization. With over 31 million registered voters, this election is seen as a litmus test for the general elections scheduled for 2025. However, the process leading up to these polls has raised alarms among opposition parties.
Opposition figures have reported irregularities during the voter registration process, including allegations that the voter roll has been padded with ineligible individuals. For instance, reports indicate that registration was chaotic, with instances of double registrations and even registrations of deceased persons. Furthermore, clashes between opposition agents and registration clerks have been reported, leading to injuries and arrests.
Allegations of Foul Play
The opposition parties—primarily Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo—have voiced their concerns about the electoral process being rigged in favor of CCM. They claim that thousands of their candidates have been disqualified on dubious grounds, such as minor errors in candidacy forms or lack of proper documentation. Tundu Lissu, deputy chairperson of Chadema, expressed skepticism about the fairness of the elections, stating that over 100,000 disqualifications were expected among their candidates alone.
The Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Governments (Tamisemi), which oversees the elections despite recent legal changes transferring this responsibility to an Independent Electoral Commission, has been accused of bias. Critics argue that Tamisemi’s involvement undermines any hope for a fair electoral process. The rapid publication of voter registration statistics just days after a chaotic registration period has further fueled suspicions regarding transparency and accuracy in the electoral preparations.
Comparative Analysis: 2019 Elections
The parallels between the current situation and the 2019 local elections are striking. In 2019, widespread allegations of violence and intimidation led to a boycott by major opposition parties. The CCM capitalized on this absence to secure an overwhelming majority without contestation in many areas. Political analysts noted that such conditions created a de facto one-party system where dissent was systematically crushed.
In both instances—2019 and now—the CCM has utilized state machinery to suppress opposition voices. Reports from previous elections highlighted how local government leaders were often CCM members who played critical roles in organizing public meetings and mobilizing support for the ruling party. This systemic advantage raises concerns about whether any meaningful change can occur in Tanzania’s political landscape.
Human Rights Concerns
The lead-up to these elections has also seen an increase in human rights violations against opposition members. Reports indicate that police have arrested numerous opposition activists under dubious circumstances, with some disappearing entirely. Such actions contribute to an atmosphere of fear that stifles political engagement among Tanzanians. Human rights organizations have condemned these practices as detrimental to democracy in Tanzania.
In addition to physical intimidation, there is a broader context of media suppression. Critical voices within journalism and civil society have faced harassment or closure under stringent laws aimed at silencing dissenting opinions. This chilling effect on free speech further complicates efforts towards achieving a fair electoral environment.
Implications for Future Elections
As Tanzania goes to polls today, the implications for future governance are profound. If allegations of electoral malpractice are not addressed, it could lead to widespread disillusionment among voters and further entrenchment of authoritarian practices by the ruling party. The current situation suggests that without significant reforms or international pressure for accountability, Tanzania may continue down a path where democratic norms are eroded.
Opposition leaders have called for strategic retreats to reassess their approach towards engaging with a system they view as fundamentally flawed. This shift may be necessary as they seek to rebuild their base and advocate for genuine reforms ahead of the critical general elections in 2025.
Conclusion
Today’s civic polls represent more than just local governance; they are a critical juncture for Tanzania’s democracy. With allegations of foul play echoing from previous elections and a political climate fraught with intimidation and repression, there is little optimism among opposition parties regarding fair competition. As Tanzania stands at this crossroads, it remains essential for both domestic stakeholders and international observers to advocate for transparency and accountability in order to foster a more democratic future for all Tanzanians.
SOURCE: Osint