Leaders, diplomats push for peaceful, inclusive elections in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania gears up for the Local Government elections in November 2024 and the General Election in 2025, leaders and diplomats are emphasising the need for increased citizen involvement and strict adherence to the rule of law.

During the closure of a two-day forum organised by the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) on International Democracy Day, former Prime Minister, Joseph Warioba, issued a stark warning about the potential for unrest if political leaders fail to reach a consensus.

"All leaders must agree on the way forward before the elections. Continuing conflicts could lead to violence," he cautioned.

Warioba expressed strong disapproval of the 2019 Local Government and 2020 General Election, describing them as “accidents” marred by irregularities.

He questioned whether the same officials responsible for these past elections would oversee the upcoming ones, raising concerns about their reliability.

Reflecting on the evolution of Tanzania's electoral process, Warioba noted

Leaders have noted a troubling regression from the generally fair elections held between 1994 and 2014, suggesting a potential return to a single-party system.

He stressed the critical need for a transparent and fair electoral process, underscoring that the upcoming elections are vital for the nation's peace.

"We must ensure the election process is fair and transparent, adhering to established rules," Warioba stated, pointing to past election-related unrest as a reason for heightened vigilance.

US Ambassador, Michael Battle, highlighted the importance of ensuring a fair electoral process for the local government elections on November 24, 2024.

“Violence and disappearances have no place in our democracy,” Battle asserted, emphasising that every Tanzanian should have representation in the electoral process.

Dutch Ambassador, Wiebe De Boer, stressed that democracy encompasses all citizens, not just political parties.

“Democracy is about ensuring every citizen has a voice,” De Boer said, highlighting the importance of freedoms such as expression and press freedom.

Irish Ambassador Nicola Brennan called for increased involvement of women in politics, recognising their leadership potential.

“Women have the potential to lead, and it is crucial to include them in the democratic process,” Brennan noted.

She pointed to the low representation of women in local governance and advocated for greater female participation.

Freeman Mbowe, Chairman of TCD and Chadema leader, urged a renewed commitment to constitutional principles and legal integrity.

“We need to adhere to core principles of justice for democracy to thrive,” Mbowe stated, expressing concern over the erosion of foundational democratic principles.

The forum underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process, vital for the future stability and democratic health of Tanzania.