| Why is CCM afraid of presidential debate? (2) | Send to a friend |
| Saturday, 25 September 2010 21:39 |
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In the 1995 presidential debate, the first of its kind in Tanzania, the CCM flag bearer Benjamin Mkapa (who won the election) outclassed all the other presidential contenders who took part in the debate. His outstanding performance destroyed the myth about the (media-hyped) “popularity” of Augustine Lyatonga Mrema who was running on the ticket of Tanzania Mainland’s main opposition party at the time, NCCR-Mageuzi. Following the debate, Mkapa’s popularity rating rose instantly, making him the electorate’s most favourite candidate. From that experience, Tanzanians understood the critical importance of public debates for politicians vying for elective office. Thus, in the election that followed in 2000 the people looked forward to another exciting presidential debate; but it never came. Rumour had it that some opposition presidential aspirants were not so keen (or prepared) to engage in any kind of debate with President Mkapa. In 2005, CCM had a new presidential candidate, Jakaya Kikwete. This time some opposition candidates seriously indicated they wanted to have a debate with him and people were anxious to see Kikwete’s debating skill. But we were told neither he nor his party was prepared for it. So, there was none! In this year’s election, again opposition presidential candidates, particularly Dr Willibrod Slaa (Chadema) and Prof Ibrahim Lipumba (CUF) have been heard calling for a debate with the ruling party’s flag bearer, who is also the incumbent president. But CCM has repudiated such calls, stressing that Kikwete did not have time for debate. Besides, the party argues that their strategy is to sell their candidate and policies (as stipulated in the Election Manifesto) through campaigning and not via debates. These, certainly, are not plausible reasons by an old, experienced party that prides itself on being the “champion” of political reforms and democracy in the country. As I said the other day, presidential debates offer the electorate the opportunity to scrutinize the candidates and know them better since campaigns alone do not reveal the other (weak) side of a candidate. It is easy for aspirants to hide behind the stereo-typed election manifestos of their respective political parties and put up a “smart” show at campaign rallies which do not allow voters to ask questions. The views expressed by a cross-section of Tanzanians who were interviewed by The Citizen on Sunday September 19, regarding this issue, which are representative of wider public opinion, underscore the fact that many Tanzanians are in favour of public debates for presidential and parliamentary candidates. We learn from those interviews that people believe such forums would enhance democracy and want them to be part of our political culture. CCM’s rejection of these debates calls into question its democratic credentials. The ignominious move by the party’s Secretary General Yusuf Makamba to bar all the party’s parliamentary candidates form taking part in the debates organised by the state broadcaster TBC1 (see Mwananchi of September 9, 2010) leaves a lot to be desired. It brings to the fore the grim fact that the grand party has not shed off some its old habits. Makamba’s directive curtailing CCM members’ freedom to engage in constructive public debates was reminiscent of those infamous rigid controls of the one-party dictatorship. It is something that shouldn’t be happening in this country today when people are holding high the banner of democracy. One fails to see how CCM intended to benefit by withdrawing from the parliamentary debates in which other parties are still participating, thanks to TBC1’s praiseworthy decision to continue with the programme, regardless. Now, the big question on many people’s lips is: Why is CCM afraid of presidential (and parliamentary) debates when everybody else is enthusiastic about them? Certainly those in the party hierarchy know the answer. But the assumption by pundits is that perhaps the grand party does not want to see its candidate face tough (and embarrassing) questions regarding, inter alia, the numerous new promises he has been making on the campaign trail. Some of the things promised may never come to pass. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
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