Tanzania’s Registrar Urges Unity Among Parties Amidst Registration Controversy

By Adonis Byemelwa

Registrar of Tanzania's Political Parties, Justice Francis Mutungi, delivered a decisive directive yesterday, July 9, 2024, urging political parties to steer clear of internal conflicts that threaten not only party unity but also national cohesion

Speaking at a crucial training session for party leaders aimed at enhancing governance systems and conflict resolution, he emphasized the imperative for transparent governance. Amidst ongoing challenges and accusations of office interference in party affairs, Justice Mutungi emphasized the democratic obligations of political parties as institutions.

He underlined the damaging effects of financial mismanagement and misuse within parties, issues frequently flagged by the Government's Controller and Auditor General.

He called upon political parties to lead by example in nation-building, reaffirming Tanzania's commitment to democratic principles over authoritarian rule.

In response, ACT-Wazalendo Secretary-General Ado Shaibu, stressed the importance of resolving party conflicts through reconciliation rather than force, acknowledging that such conflicts can undermine party unity.

 Meanwhile, Philipo Fumbo, National Chairperson of the Democratic Party (DP), expressed appreciation for the training initiative, noting the financial challenges that often lead opposition parties in Tanzania into internal conflicts due to mismanagement.

The two-day training covered various topics, including the requirements for financial reporting to the Government's Auditor General and the preparation of party asset declarations by September this year. This initiative underscores efforts to promote transparency and accountability within Tanzania's political landscape.

In response to accusations from leaders of the NCCR-Mageuzi and Chadema parties that he had instigated internal conflicts within their ranks, Justice Mutungi clarified that his office did not provoke these disputes; rather, they originated from within the parties themselves.

These comments were made during a recent interview with reporters, where Justice Mutungi addressed allegations that his office had exacerbated tensions within the NCCR-Mageuzi party.

He explained that his office had attended a meeting at the invitation of party members but stressed that the Registrar lacks significant authority to intervene in party member disputes or factional divisions.

The conflict within NCCR-Mageuzi escalated following a decision by its Central Committee on May 21, 2022, to suspend Chairman James Mbatia and Vice-Chairperson (Mainland) Angelina Mtahiwa pending a General Assembly. Mbatia and his supporters disputed the legality of this decision, criticizing the Registrar's involvement in a meeting they deemed invalid.

Mohamed Tibanyendela, Chairperson of the party's Board of Trustees, condemned the Registrar's interference in party disputes, stating that they had formally written to him expressing their concerns.

Chadema's Secretary-General, John Mnyika, alleged that the Registrar's office had been meddling in party affairs for the past six years under the previous government, calling for an end to illegal interventions and the fabrication of conflicts within parties.

Responding to criticisms and letters from both parties, Justice Mutungi stressed that it was premature to comment on the matter as he had not yet received formal correspondence, urging patience from the public. He underscored that the Registrar's office operates impartially and by constitutional mandates to uphold fairness and adherence to party constitutions.

Similar complaints have been raised in the past by other parties involved in internal disputes, accusing the Registrar's office of exacerbating conflicts rather than facilitating resolutions.

 The conflict within CUF between former Secretary-General Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad and Chairman Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba also saw allegations of the Registrar's interference, although Justice Mutungi dismissed these claims, highlighting that such disputes often end up in court due to internal party dynamics rather than any external instigation from his office.

Chadema itself has recently faced internal strife, particularly concerning the removal of 19 of its special seat MPs, who subsequently sought legal recourse against their expulsion. In conclusion, Justice Mutungi reiterated that his office's role is to ensure compliance with party constitutions and legal frameworks, maintaining a neutral stance in party conflicts.

As Tanzania prepares for civic elections in five months and a general election next year, concerns have emerged regarding another critical issue: the registration of new political parties.

Two new parties, the Independent People's Party (IPP) and Action for Human Justice (AHJ Wajamaa), have voiced frustrations over delays and hurdles in securing registration certificates in time for the local government elections in October.

 Reports indicate that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has suspended all new registrations indefinitely.

In a letter addressed to President Samia Suluhu last December, seen by Pan African Visions, AHJ Wajamaa accused Registrar Judge Francis Mutungi of halting new party registrations without a clear timeline for resumption since late last year. Pan African Visions contacted the Registrar for comment, who indicated that he would only provide information in a face-to-face meeting at his office in Dodoma.

"I can only give you the background of what you are inquiring about if you meet me face-to-face here in Dodoma," he stated. "As for the two applicants, they need to follow the correct procedures as laid out in the law and regulations governing political party registration."

Currently, Tanzania has 19 registered political parties and has not registered any new ones for at least a decade, with ACT-Wazalendo being the latest addition in May 2014.

 In November 2016, the Registrar canceled three parties—Chama Cha Haki na Usawa (Chausta), African Progressive Party of Tanzania (APPT-Maendeleo), and Jahazi Asilia—for failing to comply with provisions related to the proper maintenance of financial and property records. At that time, Judge Mutungi cited an audit of political parties' compliance with the law and its regulations as the basis for the decision.

AHJ Wajamaa's letter to President Samia, dated December 19, 2023, and signed by founder chairperson Maghus Msambila and secretary Kube Lowassa, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity on the end date of the verification process and the resumption of new party registrations. The party accused the Registrar's office of failing to provide reasons for the continued delay in processing their application despite completing all formalities in 2022 and paying the required registration fee.

"We have not been informed of the reasons for the continued hold-up, nor have we been given a timeline for resolution," they stated in the letter. "Our attempts to contact the registrar's office have been met with silence, except for the registrar himself, who advised us to be patient while holding onto our fee." AHJ Wajamaa called on President Samia to intervene and address the situation urgently.

Andrew Bomani, co-founder of IPP, alongside Vyonheaven Urima, expressed frustration over their year-long struggle to secure registration, citing recent claims that they had "failed to provide sufficient proof of Tanzanian citizenship" and other documentation issues. "This not only undermines our basic democratic rights but also risks leaving us stateless," Mr. Bomani told Pan African Visions.

According to correspondence between IPP and the registrar's office dated March 4, 2024, the party was informed that their submitted documents did not meet the requirements outlined in the Political Parties Regulations of 2019. These deficiencies included incomplete data in forms regarding proof of Tanzanian nationality and failure to specify the party's address, constitution, and policies.

The delay in new party registrations has raised concerns about the democratic process in Tanzania, particularly as the country approaches significant electoral milestones. The inability of new parties to participate due to registration hurdles casts a shadow over the inclusivity and fairness of Tanzania's political landscape.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to call for transparency and adherence to legal processes in the registration of political parties. The Registrar's Office faces mounting pressure to provide clarity on the status of new party registrations and to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and per the law.

In essence, while Tanzania prepares for upcoming elections, the resolution of these registration issues will be crucial in determining the openness and integrity of the electoral process. The involvement of political parties and civil society in monitoring these developments will be essential to safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring a level playing field for all political actors.