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Sumaye’s advice ahead of General Election

Former Prime Minister Fredrick Sumaye

What you need to know:

  • Mr Sumaye warned that incidents suggestive of unfairness and bias often have a history of undermining elections and causing unrest across Africa. Citing examples in neighbouring countries, the retired Prime Minister stressed that Tanzania must steer clear of such pitfalls by adhering to democratic principles.

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania inches closer to the General Election set for later this year, former Prime Minister Fredrick Sumaye has urged authorities to uphold fairness and transparency to avert electoral irregularities that could disrupt peace.

Mr Sumaye warned that incidents suggestive of unfairness and bias often have a history of undermining elections and causing unrest across Africa. Citing examples in neighbouring countries, the retired Prime Minister stressed that Tanzania must steer clear of such pitfalls by adhering to democratic principles.

“The unfair treatment of one political party by another is particularly dangerous and has been a key factor behind election-related violence,” said Mr Sumaye, during an interview.

“Look at our neighbours to the north and to the south. Their election disputes started with grievances during the voting process. The seeds of discord were sown at the ballot stage,” he said.

Mr Sumaye outlined five main causes of flawed elections: bias between candidates, favouritism among political parties, a lack of transparency, citizens being denied the opportunity to elect their preferred leaders, and the involvement of partisan security forces.

Tanzania has a longstanding tradition of peaceful elections, and Sumaye emphasised the need to maintain such record in the polls scheduled for October.

“When voters feel their choice has been disregarded or that an unsuitable leader has been imposed on them, it creates dissatisfaction that can escalate into chaos,” he cautioned.

“For the upcoming election to be peaceful, fairness and transparency must prevail. If these values are upheld, the process will be credible and the winner will truly reflect the will of the people.”

Mr Sumaye warned against election officials failing to ensure fairness, as well as malpractice such as bribery or vote manipulation, which, he said, erode public trust and fuel tensions.

He also called on the police to remain neutral and ensure peace for all without showing partiality to one side or oppressing the other.

“The police must act as impartial guardians of peace. If they uphold justice and transparency, there will be no grievances, and the elected leader will command legitimacy,” he said.


Independent commission in focus

Mr Sumaye underscored the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, urging it to discharge its mandate with integrity.

“My hope is for the commission to manage the election in accordance with its regulations and the law. It must act without bias or manipulation to ensure the process is free and fair,” he said.

The electoral process is currently underway, with voter registration being conducted in two phases – the first to end in March and the second to commence in May. The election date will be announced after Parliament is dissolved later this year.

The General Election will see Tanzanians elect a new president, Members of Parliament, and councillors.

Political analysts have echoed Mr Sumaye’s sentiments, calling for transparency and meaningful competition in the upcoming election.

Political analyst Paul Loisulie noted that previous elections have often been characterised by intense intra-party contests while inter-party competition has remained weak.

“Take the ruling CCM, for instance. Internal contests to select candidates are often very competitive. But once candidates are chosen, it feels as though the election is over, with little to no serious competition from other parties. This undermines fairness and equality,” Dr Loisulie said.

He urged political stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming election does not replicate past scenarios where candidates felt the race was won once they secured party nominations.

“Even the recent local government elections lacked meaningful competition, which eroded the essence of democracy,” he said.

Prof Mohammed Makame, another analyst, highlighted a recurring trend of politicians treating elections as personal property rather than a process that belongs to the people.

“Elections are for the people and the political parties, but ordinary citizens often feel excluded due to the tension and pressure created by politicians,” he said.

Prof Makame emphasised the need for a peaceful, fair, and transparent election, urging political parties to avoid unnecessary provocations.

“This time, let us embrace President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4R philosophy – Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Reconstruction – as a guiding principle. This should shape the election environment, ensuring all citizens feel included, regardless of their political affiliations,” he said.