Tanzania's political landscape is ablaze with controversy following the summons from the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) for political party leaders to convene on new regulations governing local government elections.
The abrupt call has ignited a firestorm among stakeholders, with several parties lambasting PO-RALG for failing to provide a preliminary draft of the regulations ahead of the crucial June 15, 2024, meeting in Dodoma. This lack of transparency has left parties scrambling to formulate responses amidst accusations of procedural irregularity and strategic blindsiding.
On June 10, 2024, PO-RALG sent invitation letters to political parties through the Registrar of Political Parties' Office, asking party chairpersons, general secretaries, and leaders of women's wings to attend the discussion. After receiving the invitation, ACT Wazalendo, Chadema, and NCCR-Mageuzi voiced their discontent with PO-RALG 's approach.
The Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) urged its members to share their opinions on the meeting invitation without having received the draft regulations. In a statement today, Secretary General John Mnyika said they had requested the drafts but were yet to receive them.
"Since this election concerns neighborhoods and branches across Tanganyika and the public we lead, I thought it prudent to inform you about this process. I urge you to provide your quick feedback and advice on the next steps, considering that the party belongs to its members, committees, and leadership," Mnyika wrote on social media.
Joseph Selasini, Vice Chairman of NCCR-Mageuzi, criticized the delay in releasing the regulations and pointed out that political parties still do not know the election schedule. "Previously, we would receive the draft regulations early to review them with our experts and come prepared with suggestions. Now, we are meeting without that preparation," he said.
Despite complaints about not receiving the drafts, PO-RALG’s Director of Government Communications, Ntenghenjwa Hosea, insisted that the drafts had been sent out. "The drafts were sent yesterday," he stated.
ACT-Wazalendo took its objections further, announcing plans to file a lawsuit in the High Court to halt the process of gathering feedback on the local government election regulations. The party also plans to contact other political parties to unite against providing feedback to PO-RALG, arguing that the ministry lacks the legal authority to conduct the process.
Speaking to the press in Dar es Salaam, ACT-Wazalendo Secretary General Ado Shaibu revealed that they have already coordinated with civil society organizations to file the lawsuit. "We have received positive feedback from civil society, and preparations for the lawsuit are complete. If necessary, we will proceed independently," Shaibu said.
Shaibu added that the party would reach out to other key political parties to emphasize the importance of collective action against PO-RALG’s process. "We will demand the resignation of the current members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, as they were not appointed following the procedures outlined in the new Electoral Commission law," he added.
Despite boycotting the feedback process, Shaibu confirmed that ACT-Wazalendo would attend the Dodoma meeting to demand that PO-RALG halt the process. "We will ask which law PO-RALG is following in amending the regulations. This process violates the National Electoral Commission Act and is unconstitutional," he said.
Attorney General Dr. Eliezer Feleshi responded to inquiries by stating that the law for the new regulations would be enacted per the proper legislative process.
Tanzania's electoral commission has faced numerous criticisms, especially after rebranding itself, which many saw as a superficial change rather than a substantive reform. The rebranding, intended to project a new image and improve public trust, has been compared to an ostrich burying its head in the sand, leaving its vulnerabilities exposed.
Critics argue that the commission has consistently failed to operate independently and transparently. Past elections have been marred by allegations of bias, with opposition parties frequently accusing the commission of favoring the ruling party. This perceived partiality undermines the credibility of the electoral process and diminishes public confidence in democratic institutions.
The commission's rebranding did little to address these core issues. While the new name and logo aimed to signal a fresh start, many saw it as an attempt to distract from the commission’s persistent structural weaknesses. These include inadequate funding, insufficient training for election officials, and a lack of clear and consistent communication with the public and political stakeholders.
Moreover, the commission's handling of election logistics has often been problematic. Delays in voter registration, irregularities in the distribution of voting materials, and poor management of polling stations have all contributed to perceptions of inefficiency and incompetence. These operational shortcomings exacerbate tensions during election periods and can lead to disputes and unrest.
The commission’s reluctance to engage meaningfully with opposition parties and civil society remains a significant weakness. Dialogue and collaboration are essential for building a robust electoral framework with broad support. By failing to incorporate diverse perspectives and address legitimate concerns, the commission risks perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and skepticism.
While rebranding might offer a temporary boost in image, it is the substantive reforms—ensuring independence, transparency, and operational efficiency—that will determine whether Tanzania's electoral commission can truly regain public trust and effectively oversee fair and credible elections.
