Tanzania’s Underage Voter Registration Scandal Erodes Confidence in Civic Elections

By Adonis Byemelwa

With local government elections on the horizon for November 2024, Tanzania finds itself embroiled in a heated debate over the integrity of its voter registration process. Concerns have escalated amid allegations that underage children, particularly school students, are being improperly registered to vote, raising significant ethical questions about the upcoming electoral exercise.

These claims, primarily emanating from opposition parties, suggest that a disturbing trend may undermine the democratic principles upon which the nation stands.

As political factions brace for a contentious electoral battle, the issue of underage registration looms large, threatening to overshadow the electoral process and instilling doubt in the minds of citizens about the legitimacy of their votes.

The potential ramifications of such practices extend beyond mere procedural discrepancies; they strike at the heart of democracy itself, challenging the very foundations of representation and governance in Tanzania. In this climate of suspicion and controversy, the stakes have never been higher, compelling citizens, political leaders, and observers alike to scrutinize the electoral process closely.

Nevertheless, the Minister in the President's Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mohammed Mchengerwa, recently dismissed these claims, asserting that students eligible for registration are indeed 18 years old and fulfilling the requirements.

In a recent press conference, Mchengerwa expressed his astonishment at the accusations, particularly those coming from opposition parties. “It is perplexing that they complain on social media about something they haven’t reported officially,” he stated.

He emphasized that there are representatives from 19 different political parties present at each registration center, implying that the process is transparent and subject to scrutiny. “Why don’t they raise their concerns through the proper channels instead of complaining in public?” he challenged, urging opposition parties to trust their agents and use established procedures to address their grievances.

In the face of Mchengerwa’s assertions, John Mrema, Chadema’s Director of Communication, Ideology, and External Relations, has presented troubling evidence indicating that minors are being registered to vote. He cited multiple instances in which children claimed birth years of 2005 and 2006 to justify their registration, a situation that raises profound ethical concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process.

 “It is utterly unacceptable for minors to provide identical birth dates and years while being included on the electoral roll. This not only undermines the very foundation of our democracy but also distorts the electoral process,” Mrema emphasized.

 He further warned that permitting underage individuals to register creates an environment rife with dishonesty, fundamentally threatening the principles of fair representation and governance.

The accusations do not end there. Mrema highlighted that several registration centers have been set up in the homes of ruling party members, particularly the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), suggesting a blatant disregard for electoral regulations.

“In Rau hamlet, Kilimanjaro, a registration center was found inside the house of a CCM cadre. This is against the electoral laws,” he claimed, illustrating the challenges posed by politicization in the registration process. Mrema's concerns echo a broader pattern of alleged malpractice, with reports of officials skipping registration numbers and entering fictitious names on the electoral roll.

The fallout from these claims is significant, with implications for the credibility of the electoral process. The possibility of children being registered as voters raises ethical concerns about the pressures placed on families to engage in political schemes rather than focusing on education. “This is a serious indictment of our electoral system,” Mrema argued, pointing out that it is crucial to preserve the sanctity of the voting process, especially when the future of Tanzania’s democracy is at stake.

Adding another layer of complexity, Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition leader and former presidential candidate, has previously voiced skepticism about the PO-RALG's role in overseeing civic elections. Lissu criticized the government's approach, stating, “The PO-RALG should not be in charge of civic elections; its involvement compromises the integrity of the electoral process.”

His remarks underline a growing consensus among opposition figures that a separation of powers is essential for a fair electoral process. They advocate for a more significant role for the National Electoral Commission (NEC) in managing elections to ensure transparency and accountability.

Political analysts have begun to weigh in on this controversy, emphasizing that the ongoing issues surrounding voter registration reflect broader concerns about the state of democracy in Tanzania. “A transparent electoral process is foundational to any democracy,” remarked Mussa Lugete, a political science analyst based in Dar es Salaam. “The registration of underage voters not only skews electoral outcomes but also diminishes public trust in democratic institutions.”

Looking at successful examples from around the world, countries such as Canada and Sweden have established robust voter registration systems that prioritize transparency and accountability. Canada employs a rigorous verification process that ensures only eligible voters are registered, often requiring identification and proof of residency.

 In Sweden, the government utilizes a centralized population register to maintain accurate voter information, enabling efficient and transparent elections. These nations emphasize the ethical obligation of governments to uphold electoral integrity, ensuring that every vote counts and is cast by eligible individuals.

The ethical implications of allowing underage individuals to register are profound. Encouraging children to provide false information for political gain not only undermines the integrity of the electoral process but also raises moral questions about the responsibilities of adults in guiding the youth.

“We are teaching our children that lying is acceptable if it serves a political agenda,” Lugete cautioned. This has long-term repercussions, as fostering a culture of dishonesty among young voters could have detrimental effects on civic engagement and political participation in the future.

In the context of Tanzania's electoral landscape, the ramifications of these registration practices are particularly concerning. The claims made by Mrema about underage registrations, as well as the alleged misconduct by registration officials, suggest a concerted effort to manipulate the electoral process.

“When the integrity of our electoral system is compromised, the legitimacy of our democratic processes is at risk,” Mrema emphasized, urging both the government and the opposition to prioritize the sanctity of the electoral process over partisan interests.

Moreover, the role of local leaders in this controversy cannot be understated. Mrema accused local officials of complicity in the alleged malpractice, stating, “Some village and neighborhood leaders are involved in the registration process, which should never happen. This is a blatant violation of electoral regulations.” He cited examples of leaders actively discouraging opposition party members from registering, further consolidating power within the ruling party.

The environment surrounding the upcoming elections highlights the need for vigilance among Tanzanian citizens and civil society organizations. Transparency in the voter registration process is paramount, and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate without hindrance is essential for a healthy democracy.

“We must hold our leaders accountable and demand a fair electoral process,” urged Buberwa Kaiza a political analyst based in Dar es Salaam, calling for increased public engagement and oversight in the lead-up to the elections.

As the election date draws nearer, the demand for a transparent and fair registration process becomes increasingly critical. The integrity of the electoral roll is essential not only for the credibility of the upcoming elections but also for the future of democracy in Tanzania.

The accusations of underage voter registrations, if proven true, could lead to widespread disillusionment with the electoral system and undermine the trust of citizens in their democratic institutions.