ESARP

State of democracy

The legal framework in which political parties operate tends to inhibit the growth of vibrant political parties in Tanzania. There is a catalogue of problem areas, including the constitution, the electoral laws and party funding. Political parties do not have equal access to the media and political corruption is entrenched but increasingly exposed.

Since the introduction of multiparty democracy in 1992, the state has remained dominated by a single strong party. The governing party was favoured by the first-past-the-post system applied in the elections. The Political Parties Act of 1992 prohibits parties from merging before first dissolving and seeking fresh registration. To circumvent this restriction and pool their resources, four opposition parties signed a cooperation agreement on 10 May 2007. They pledged to work together and field a single presidential candidate for the 2010 general elections.

Dialogue in Zanzibar

In 1964 mainland Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form the federated United Republic of Tanzania. After the 2005 general elections, opposition party United Civic Front (CUF) contested the results and refused to recognize Zanzibar’s government. On 6 January 2007, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Revolutionary State Party – CCM) and CUF secretary generals met for the first time over this conflict and prepared the ground for CCM and CUF talks, which have been ongoing since. In August President Jakaya Kikwete reported that agreements have been reached on most of outstanding issues but as yet there is no final outcome.

Given the weakness of the political opposition, civil society organizations – particularly Christian churches and the Muslim Council – play a relatively prominent political role.

NIMD Programme

Improving the political system
An important programmatic focus for 2007 was strengthening the multiparty system through interparty dialogue around constitutional and legislative reforms, with a special focus on Zanzibar. Three stakeholder conferences were organized attended by around 130 participants, including senior representatives of all 18 political parties.

The governing party has been reluctant to address the institutional handicaps for parliamentary opposition. However, in November, President Kikwete expressed an interest in a dialogue with the opposition on issues of national importance, stating that CCM would work with and extend support to the Tanzanian Centre for Democracy (TCD).

Strengthening the political parties

Another important programmatic focus for 2007 was enhancing the institutional capacity of five political parties (with parliamentary representation) through strengthening of party identities, internal party democracy and information technology.

Relations between political parties and civil society
There have been some radio and television debates as well as a media workshop supported by NIMD. Through these activities, parties have gained more experience in communication and in presenting distinct policy positions.

Dialogue about constitutional reform

A key objective of the Tanzania programme is to reform the constitution in order to align it to the reality of a multiparty democracy.

TCD organized two stakeholders’ conferences to advocate constitutional and other legal reforms. The conferences created an ongoing, public discussion of the issues raised. The first conference was held on 25 and 26 June 2007, with the aim of reviewing laws governing the conduct of politics in Tanzania. The conference recommended changes to the Elections Act 1985, the Political Parties Act 1992 and the enactment of a National Electoral Commission Act.

The second conference was held on 6 and 7 August 2007. In spite of divergent views on how the Constitution should be reformed, the consensus was that it needed reworking. The government now takes a more accommodating position toward the Constitution as a living document, which people have the right to discuss if areas are seen as inadequate. However, the ruling party remains reluctant to draft a new constitution.