Most people know Tanzania for its rich cultural heritage and its natural beauty. But they don’t know that Tanzania still has challenges in fully embracing democracy.
While the Tanzanian constitution guarantees democratic principles, the reality on the ground presents a different picture. This has implications both for our political governance and for our social development.
Political Implications
Limited democracy in Tanzania has had profound political implications in shaping our country’s governance structure and processes. The dominance of one-party rule under the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has resulted in a lack of political pluralism and competition, stifling dissenting voices and impeding democratic progress.
The absence of genuine political competition has led to complacency within the ruling party, hindering accountability and transparency in governance.
For instance, Tanzania’s 2020 general election, was openly marred by electoral irregularities and the suppression of opposition voices, highlighting the challenges of conducting free and fair elections in the context of limited political freedoms.
The crackdown on opposition leaders like Tundu Lissu, journalists, and civil society activists in the lead-up to the election, underscored our government’s intolerance of dissent and its efforts to keep a grip on power.
Moreover, the lack of democratic institutions and mechanisms for checks and balances has contributed to the centralization of power in the executive branch, undermining the separation of powers and jeopardizing the rule of law.
The erosion of democratic norms and principles has weakened Tanzania’s democratic institutions and, as a result, has compromised their ability to serve as effective safeguards against executive overreach and abuse of power.
Social Implications
The absence of democracy in Tanzania also has significant social ramifications, affecting citizens’ rights, freedoms, and well-being. Restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association have stifled civil society activism and citizen participation, limiting avenues for civic engagement and public discourse.
This has hindered the development of a vibrant and pluralistic civil society capable of holding the government accountable and advocating for the rights and interests of marginalized groups.
For example, there has been enactment of restrictive laws such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Media Services Act which have curtailed press freedom and online expression, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists and media practitioners.
The targeting of activists and human rights defenders through arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation has further eroded trust in state institutions and impeded efforts to promote social justice and equality.
Moreover, the lack of democratic governance has exacerbated social inequalities and marginalized certain groups, particularly women, youth, and ethnic minorities. The absence of inclusive and participatory decision-making processes has hindered efforts to address systemic barriers to social and economic advancement, perpetuating cycles of poverty, exclusion, and marginalization.
Which way forward for Tanzania?
The limited democracy in Tanzania, despite constitutional affirmations, has had far-reaching implications for both political governance and social development.
To address these challenges, Tanzania will require concerted efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms, and foster a culture of political pluralism and civic participation.
Only through genuine democratization can Tanzania realize its full potential as a vibrant and inclusive democracy that respects the rights and dignity of all its citizens.
By Juma Mwamba