By Adonis Byemelwa
In a startling turn of events, ACT Wazalendo, a prominent opposition force in Tanzania, has raised alarm over a series of arrests of its key leaders and members during the fiercely contested Kasingirima ward by-election in Kigoma Ujiji. Among those apprehended are notable figures such as Abdul Nondo, Chairperson of the Youth Wing, and Selemani Simba, Chairperson of the Elders Wing in Kigoma.
These arrests unfolded amidst mounting accusations of electoral malpractice, with ACT Wazalendo vehemently asserting that a member of the ruling party, CCM, was caught red-handed attempting to manipulate the electoral process by casting fake votes at the Livingston polling station.
The reported arrests during the by-election have raised significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Tanzania. ACT Wazalendo’s statement highlights growing apprehensions over electoral transparency and fairness, especially in light of recent allegations of rigging and irregularities.
The opposition party’s assertion that its leaders and members were detained while trying to prevent electoral malpractice stresses the urgency of addressing these issues to safeguard the democratic principles enshrined in Tanzania’s constitution.
Furthermore, the reluctance of opposition parties like Chadema to participate in the by-election due to concerns over existing electoral laws adds fuel to the debate surrounding the credibility of Tanzania’s electoral system. This decision reflects broader anxieties within the opposition about the fairness and transparency of electoral processes under the current legal framework.
However, CCM candidate, Mlekwa Kigeni, voiced confidence in the electoral process, stating that he had not encountered any notable challenges thus far. He expressed belief in a favorable outcome, noting an increasing number of voters as the day progressed, despite a slow start in the morning due to the heavy rains.
Initially, Mwantumu Mgonja, the election supervisor, echoed Kigeni’s sentiments, assuring the public that the electoral process was proceeding smoothly without any significant hurdles. Speaking from the Kasingirima ward executive office where the vote counting and tallying took place, Mgonja emphasized the commitment to ensuring a safe and transparent election.
Nevertheless, Issa Hussein, the Secretary for Planning and Elections of the ACT party in the Kigoma region raised concerns about minor issues encountered during the election. He highlighted instances of CCM councilors allegedly distributing money and the presence of individuals carrying bags affiliated with the CCM party, suspected of attempting to influence voters
The controversy surrounding the Kasingirima ward by-election is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of electoral irregularities and concerns about democratic governance in Tanzania. Reports of alleged rigging and intimidation tactics during recent by-elections have triggered widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, political stakeholders, and concerned citizens. These developments accentuate the need for urgent action to address systemic flaws in Tanzania’s electoral system and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
In response to these allegations, there have been calls for thorough investigations to uncover the truth behind the reported electoral malpractice. Civil society organizations and political stakeholders have urged the Tanzanian government to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the will of the people by conducting transparent and impartial inquiries into the matter. The outcome of these investigations will have far-reaching implications for the credibility of Tanzania’s electoral system and its democratic institutions.
The diplomatic intervention by the United States Embassy in Dar es Salaam has injected a new layer of complexity into the ongoing controversy surrounding the recent by-election in Tanzania. The embassy’s statement expressing regret over reported irregularities highlights growing international apprehensions regarding the state of democracy and governance within the nation.
On August 6, 2018, the embassy’s revelation regarding the Buyungu parliamentary seat and 36 ward councilor positions emphasized a litany of concerns, including election-related violence, violations of electoral laws, and instances of intimidation against opposition members. The embassy’s assertion of these actions infringing upon Tanzanian citizens’ constitutional rights underscored the potential risks posed to peace and stability, both domestically and regionally.
In response to the embassy’s statement, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) denied the allegations, challenging the legitimacy of the U.S.’s scrutiny of Tanzanian by-election conduct.
The NEC’s insistence on the absence of international election observers and its demand for clarification from the embassy regarding its information sources highlighted the contentious nature of the allegations.
Even before the embassy’s statement and the NEC’s response, the ACT-Wazalendo party had raised concerns over the by-election’s integrity, advocating for an independent electoral commission.
Dr. Richard Mbunda, a political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), characterized the U.S. intervention as expected given its global advocacy for democracy. He contextualized the election controversy within a broader political landscape marked by defections of opposition leaders to the ruling party, CCM, raising questions about the motives behind these shifts and their implications for constitutional protections.
While the Tanzanian government has dismissed these allegations and questioned the legitimacy of foreign scrutiny of its electoral processes, the embassy’s intervention reflects broader international scrutiny of democratic norms and practices worldwide.
In light of these developments, there is an urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms to address the systemic flaws undermining the credibility and integrity of Tanzania’s electoral system. Strengthening oversight mechanisms, enhancing transparency in electoral procedures, and holding accountable those found responsible for electoral malpractice are essential steps to restore public trust in the democratic process.
By taking decisive action to address allegations of by-election rigging, Tanzania can reaffirm its commitment to democracy and ensure that the voices of its citizens are heard and respected in the electoral process.
The controversy surrounding the Kasingirima ward by-election underscores the challenges facing Tanzania’s democratic governance and the imperative of addressing electoral irregularities to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. With the eyes of the nation and the international community focused on these developments, the Tanzanian government faces mounting pressure to uphold democratic principles and ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. The resolution of these issues will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of democracy and governance in the country.
