Why wisdom must reign in Tanzanian politics

Tanzania has 20 months before holding its fifth general election since re-opening doors for multi-party politics, and tension is already gradually gaining momentum.

Since the resumption of multi-party politics, the situation in Zanzibar has been tense, especially months to, during and after the polls.

But now even on the mainland the tug of war has intensified with the opposition claiming that it is squeezed left, right and centre so as not to exercise its democratic right of lobbying for public support.

Some opposition parties met in Zanzibar recently and formed an alliance to demand a level ground that would create next elections free, fair and credible. In a joint communiqué the alliance said it was not comfortable with the amendments to the Political Parties Act.

They claimed the amendments to the law, which has already been passed, are repressive, undemocratic and have all the indicators to show that it is a strategy of pushing the country back to a single party state while flying the multi-party flag.

The two day meeting in Zanzibar brought together officials of five parties, two former Prime Ministers Edward Lowassa and Fredrick Sumaye, lawyers and human rights activists. If you analyse the statement of the movement you come to the conclusion that relations between the government and the ruling party on one hand and some of the opposition parties are not good and may result into an unpleasant situation towards the next elections.

Turning a blind eye to the scenario is not good for the country and I think the earlier we take steps to solve the mistrust the better for the country.

Another scenario which raises questions, which don’t have ready- made answers is how will the situation look like when time comes for CCM to nominate its candidate in the 2020 presidential election.

So far not many CCM members have come to the open to say they are set to challenge President John Magufuli by seeking party ticket to enter the race. However, the atmosphere looks different to what we experienced when retired Presidents Benjamin Mkapa and Jakaya Kikwete finished their first terms in office and later sought reelection and won.

We hear here and there reports of some prominent members of CCM who were a few years back pushed on the sidelines want to make a come-back with a bang to seek the party ticket to challenge Magufuli in the race.

The way our political parties pick their presidential candidates differ. At present each political party has its mechanism because there is no provision in the constitution or in the Elections ACT which stipulate the methods to be followed in doing it.

I think the present system has shortcomings because even one who has not at any given time led a group which runs a social club can seek the post. May God forbid for such people to succeed. We must realise that there are traits that good candidates, especially for the country’s top leadership post. These include good health, honesty, integrity, courage, tolerance, no indications of love to revenge and willingness to listen to others, no matter who they are.

Arrogance, greed, selfishness and too much know are obviously qualities that make bad candidates.

We need leaders which the people will trust what they tell them and not those who will give false promises or who will give pledges to do miracles in the way some witch doctors do to their customers.

Another aspect which I think is worth serious consideration is that of an independent candidate. This is because there are people who have no political affiliations, but patriots who are prepared to serve their country without attached party strings.

At present officials and some members of all political parties lock themselves in a hall or a room and come out with names of their candidates. I think this system needs a complete overhaul. The party members, the media and the public must have the opportunity to evaluate people even before they are nominated their party candidates so that they make a good assessment on who has the qualification for the job.

The candidates must also be ready to participate in public debates so that voters can assess them. We need a long and open test of leadership and management skills, initiative, experience, creativity, tolerance and general knowledge of one wishing to be elected into this high office.

While it is true that it is rare to get leadership qualities of people like Nelson Mandela of South Africa or Mwalimu Nyerere our political parties should strive to at least get candidates who can have the image of their shadows. Political parties must realise that it is high time for them to prepare a mechanism of getting candidates who will tell Tanzanians the truth, even if the statement is bitter to swell.

Tanzanians want honest leaders who will live to their promises and not those who will not feel shy to be scandalous or favouring family members, friends, classmates or people of their tribe or region while at State House.

Tanzanians want a President and Parliamentarians who will consider themselves servants of the people and if elected will be able to make tough decisions, even if they will make them unpopular.

Experience shows that most of our leaders enjoy to be surrounded by those who will do all they can to please them. We need patriots who give priority to the interests of the United Republic and not those who have selfish interests.

There is also an urgent need for a level ground that will convince parties and candidates that they will enter the nex elections with confidence that the polls will be free, fair and credible.

Let us draw lessons from our experience and how other countries peacefully and successively organise their elections.