Tension Mounts Over Supervision of Tanzania's Local Government Elections

As Tanzania gears up for the October 2024 local government elections, concerns arise over who will oversee the process. The debate centers on whether the Office of the President - Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI) or the Independent Electoral Commission appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan will manage the elections.

Speaking at the National Reflection and Understanding Conference on the recently passed Election Laws leading up to the 2024 Local Government Elections and the 2025 General Election, Chairman of the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD), Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba, expressed apprehension regarding the lack of indication that the Independent Electoral Commission is preparing to oversee the 2024 local government elections.

According to Prof. Lipumba, while TAMISEMI has already allocated funds and begun preparations for the elections, the law stipulates that the Independent Electoral Commission should supervise them. This discrepancy highlights the need for clarification on how TAMISEMI will collaborate with the Independent Electoral Commission during this transitional period.

Previously, Prof. Lipumba noted that the government and the Tanzanian Parliament had agreed to the long-standing proposal from democracy stakeholders for the Independent Electoral Commission to oversee local government elections instead of TAMISEMI.

Despite this, Prof. Lipumba urged conference participants and democracy stakeholders to engage in comprehensive discussions and provide recommendations. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and respectful exchange of ideas to strengthen Tanzania's democratic system.

On the other hand, Dr. Mohamed Seif, Deputy Secretary-General of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Zanzibar, acknowledged that while the election laws had been passed, they would conduct a review to address any shortcomings. He emphasized the importance of building the country on democratic principles, echoing the 4R philosophy of CCM's national chairman.

In contrast, Freeman Mbowe, Chairman of the opposition Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), highlighted the lack of a scientific evaluation of the 2019 local government elections' impact on grassroots development. He emphasized that without political will and legal backing, any legal reforms would be futile.

As Tanzania navigates these electoral challenges, stakeholders emphasize the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.