Democracy vs graft: TZ’s tale of conflicting scores

What you need to know:

  • In its latest report titled ‘Democracy in Retreat,’ US-based Freedom House named Tanzania as being among worst democratic performers in Africa over ‘important developments’ that took place in 2018

Dar es Salaam. As the perception on corruption among Tanzanians seemed to brighten well after Dr John Magufuli was sworn into the Presidency on November 5, 2015, democratic space nonetheless continues to shrink.

This has indeed left analysts and other pundits perplexed, as they try to figure out the relationship that might be between the two antipodes: corruption and democracy.

This is true despite the emphasis by Transparency International (TI) that well-functioning democratic and governance systems contribute immensely in the fight against corruption. The presence of strong and independent institutions and a vibrant press, as well as engaged citizens, is generally acknowledged as the most sustainable way to effectively combat corruption.

The Berlin-based non-profit non-governmental organisation revealed in its latest report that the majority of countries around the world have seen little or no progress at all in the fight against corruption, saying the global average score for 2018 was 43 out of 100. In its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) analysis, TI showed a disturbing connection between public sector corruption and the weakening of democratic institutions and norms.

The CPI ranked Tanzania 99 in 2018, up from the 116 position in 2017. This achievement pleased many who were of the view that it was indeed a good step and, hence, saw reason to congratulate President Magufuli’s administration. Among them is the Danish Ambassador to Tanzania, His Excellency Einar Jensen.

As appealing as it may seem, the new ranking in no way explains the whole story, though. CPI shows that there have not been significant improvements in Tanzania’s fight against corruption. For example, the country scored 36 out of 100, the same score it obtained in 2017.

Some analysts argue that the improvement in ranking might have occurred not as a result of the country’s efforts to combat corruption but, rather, due to worse performance of other (African) countries.

This should in no way come as a surprise – given that Transparency International itself acknowledges the failure of many countries in effectively fighting corruption. In as far as Africa is concerned, the CPI presented a largely gloomy picture, as only eight out of 49 countries scored more than 43 out of 100 on the Index.

There are numerous factors, which undermine anti-corruption efforts, according to Transparency International. These include – but not limited to – autocratic regimes, civil strife, weak institutions and unresponsive political systems.

Indeed, TI even gives examples of countries like Seychelles and Botswana, which scored higher on the CPI than other countries in the region – saying they have a few attributes in common which contribute to their scores. Both countries do have relatively well-functioning democratic and governance systems.

Given this rationale, one might ask how well-functioning and democratic are Tanzania’s governance systems so that can be counted upon to play an sterling role in President Magufuli’s crusade against corruption. Based on reports regarding Tanzanian democracy, things don’t seem to be that cozy.

In its latest report titled ‘Democracy in Retreat,’ the US-based Freedom House named Tanzania as being among Africa’s worst democratic performers. Despite being classified as ‘partly free’ democratically, Tanzania retrogressed over the past year, only managing a score of minus -7 along with Venezuela – and beaten in that by Nicaragua, with the worst score.

Tanzania’s worsening position is said to have been contributed to by the shrinking space for political activity whereby the government has arrested prominent opposition leaders, stifled anti-government protests, and pushed for legislation that further strengthens the ruling party’s stranglehold on politics.

A political scientist from the Ruaha Catholic University (Rucu), Prof Gaudence Mpangala, shares the maxim that strong democratic institutions and the war on corruption are intrinsically linked. If anything, he thinks that it shouldn’t surprise anyone that perceptions of corruption in Tanzania are lower now than they was in previous administrations.

Regarding the relationship between democracy and the fight against corruption, Prof Mpangala expresses worry that the former is on its deathbed, while the latter is more or less jeopardised.

“In essence, the war on corruption must go instantaneously with the process of expanding democratic principles and ideals,” he argues. He is convinced that corruption is nourished in an environment that’s dominated by fear, secrecy and silence.

“True changes stem from [the pressures exerted by] informed citizens who can ultimately make informed decisions on issues that affect their lives. Now, this is hardly possible in an environment where political rallies which form the basis of civic education are banned, or independent organisations that monitor accountability are terrorised,” he warns.

Prof Mpangala also thinks that if the press is not free enough to uncover corrupt practices, the citizens will undoubtedly have an impression that there is no corruption.

Political will does matter

Although he shares the belief that democratic institutions – like the press – play an important role in the fight against corruption, a political scientist from the University of Dodoma (UDom), Dr Paul Luisulie, thinks that this is not all that it takes to kill the hydra-headed monster called corruption.

Political will among those entrusted with power, especially the President, is as important as it is desirable. The UDom pundit gives the example of neighbouring Kenya whose accountability institutions are far more independent and well-functioning than Tanzanian. But, says, Kenya still lags behind in its war on corruption.

“Even its press is both robust and independent, exposing scandal after scandal. But they end up with nothing! I’m not downplaying the role of the press, I’m just highlighting that it’s not a guarantor of a corruption-free country – especially in an environment in which political will is nowhere to be seen,” Dr Luisulie explains.

Himself a believer that corruption in Tanzania is not as rampant now as it used to be, Dr Luisulie commends President Magufuli for his professed will to free the country from the malady.

“I’m convinced that, given the willingness to take action expressed by President Magufuli, (victory) is not too far from being achieved.”

It is messages like this – which CCM Ideology and Publicity Secretary Humphrey Polepole thinks give his party and the government it leads more hope, encouragement and motivation to do even more.

Reacting to the Transparency International’s report, Polepole said in a Twitter post: “We are determined to serve Tanzanians with honour, respect [and] dedication while ensuring a corruption-free Tanzania.”