Tanzanian Stakeholders Strongly Push for Independent Candidacy Reform

By Adonis Byemelwa

At the University of Dar es Salaam, a landmark dialogue unfolded on September 14, 2024, as Tanzanian stakeholders marked International Democracy Day with a powerful call for reform. The event, organized by the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), became a stage for impassioned arguments advocating for a constitutional amendment to permit independent candidates in elections.

This plea for change is more than a local issue; it resonates with global experiences where embracing independent candidacy has transformed political landscapes.

Countries like the United States have long demonstrated the benefits of allowing independent candidates to enter the fray. Here, independents have frequently shaken up the status quo, offering voters alternative viewpoints and enriching the democratic process.

In Taiwan, independent candidates have successfully challenged the dominance of traditional parties, fostering greater political diversity and civic engagement. France, too, has seen the positive impacts of independent candidacy, where such candidates have injected fresh perspectives and broadened the political discourse.

These examples from around the world underscore a critical lesson: enabling independent candidates can invigorate democracies, enhance representation, and diminish the monopolistic hold of entrenched party systems.

As Tanzania stands at this crossroads, the hope is that embracing independent candidacy will not only expand political opportunities but also rejuvenate its democratic spirit, ensuring a more inclusive and representative electoral process.

Professor Anna Tibaijuka, delivering the keynote address, highlighted the constitutional mandate that requires candidates to be affiliated with political parties to vie for positions. She argued that while Tanzania positions itself as a democracy, it operates under a “party dictatorship.” Tibaijuka expressed frustration with the current system, comparing it to the Soviet Communist Party’s central committee, where individual freedom is stifled by the party apparatus.

 Her experience running for office underscored that voters are more inclined to support individuals over parties, a dynamic currently hindered by the lack of independent candidacy.

Tibaijuka criticized the political party system for its resemblance to Soviet-style governance, where decisions are centralized and individual candidates face significant obstacles. She argued that allowing independent candidates could introduce a necessary check on political parties, making them more accountable and less prone to abuses. The U.S. system, which allows independent candidates but maintains strong political parties, was cited as a model that Tanzania could consider adopting.

The struggle for independent candidacy in Tanzania has a long history. Reverend Christopher Mtikila, a prominent activist, first challenged the restriction in 1993. Although he won his case, constitutional amendments in 1994 reinstated the ban.

 His subsequent legal battles led to a 2013 ruling by the African Court, mandating that Tanzania permit independent candidates. Despite this ruling, the government has not yet implemented the change.

Veteran politician John Cheyo supported the call for independent candidates, emphasizing that it would increase youth and women’s participation in politics. Cheyo criticized the current system, where political positions often require significant financial resources and party allegiance, effectively sidelining potential candidates who lack these resources.

LHRC Executive Director Anna Henga also voiced support for independent candidacy, arguing that forcing individuals to join political parties infringes on their rights. She contended that allowing independent candidates would foster greater inclusivity and reduce sycophancy in Tanzanian politics.

The dialogue concluded with a unified appeal to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, urging her to champion the reform. The participants expressed hope that this initiative could be a cornerstone of her administration, advocating for a new constitutional framework that embraces independent candidacy and enhances democratic participation.