Tanzanians Rally for Democratic Reform: Calls Mount to Curtail Presidential Powers

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a resounding call for democratic reform, citizens fervently demand a curtailment of presidential powers in Tanzania. Their voices echoed with urgency on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Arusha during a fiery debate orchestrated by the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS). Amidst a gathering of legal luminaries, civil society stalwarts, and impassioned law students, the fervor for change reverberated through the halls.

At the heart of their demands is a fervent plea to strip the presidency of its unchecked authority. They vehemently advocate for an end to the president's stronghold over key appointments, such as regional and district officials, as well as directors of local government authorities. Instead, they propose these pivotal roles be entrusted to local scholars, operating under the auspices of the Prime Minister's office.

The fervent debate erupted over the president's sweeping power to handpick 10 members of parliament, the Secretary of Parliament, and the unilateral ability to dissolve Parliament at will. These grievances, laid bare in Arusha's charged atmosphere, underscore a profound desire for democratic renewal and a redistribution of power.

Speaking at the debate, participants highlighted that presidential powers to appoint certain government officials have often led to favoritism and undermined accountability to the citizens. They stressed the need for qualified local scholars to serve in these positions rather than individuals appointed based solely on loyalty to the appointing authority.

They proposed that the President should not hold the position of party chairman but instead be an ordinary member, allowing for greater accountability within the party. They argue that this would prevent undue influence and foster a culture of constructive criticism within the party ranks.

"It would be preferable if they were not the chairman of their party but rather an ordinary member, with someone else as chairman, to allow for criticism even from within their party when they make mistakes," exclaimed Ester Maro, a law student at Sauti University.

Senior Lawyer Alute Mughwai emphasized the importance of excluding the President from the constitution-making process to allow for diverse opinions and prevent undue influence. "This five-year term that everyone is talking about could have serious consequences in the future if not discussed and enshrined in the new Constitution," Mughwai added.

Peter Bayo, a member of the civil society organization Angonet, pointed out the flaws in the current constitution that shield the President from prosecution, even in cases of serious wrongdoing. "While the constitution allows the President to be prosecuted, there should also be provisions for challenging election outcomes in ways that are understandable to the citizens," Bayo remarked.

TLS Northern Zone Chairman David Shilatu explained that the debate aimed to educate through the TLS about the constitutional reform process in Tanzania. "Our current constitution dates back to 1977, that's over 47 years, and it has been amended over 14 times. You can imagine how outdated this social contract between citizens and rulers has become," Shilatu stated.

He mentioned the Judge Warioba commission's efforts to reduce presidential powers in its recommendations for constitutional reforms. However, despite these recommendations, there has been limited progress in implementing these reforms, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance executive authority with democratic principles.

Francis Stolla, an independent lawyer, underlined the significance of finalizing the constitution before the next general election. "Until now, citizens desire to start the process afresh, with many insisting on reducing the President's powers, but MPs need to be evaluated for their performance to qualify for re-election," Stolla emphasized.

The push for constitutional reforms to limit presidential powers reflects a broader desire for greater accountability and transparency in governance. It underscores the importance of citizen participation in shaping the future of their country's political landscape.