They gave their opinions on November 29 during debate on the country's democracy hosted by a nongovernmental organisation, Twaweza.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania needs democracy formulated by citizens instead of “the give and take democracy” granted by the government in power, according to stakeholders.
They gave their opinions on November 29 during debate on the country's democracy hosted by a nongovernmental organisation, Twaweza.
Debating a motion entitled "How can we move the relationships between people and authorities from confrontational to more collaborative exchanges", Tarime Rural MP John Heche said citizens should press for the type of democracy they wanted.
"The government in power should be forced to let citizens practise the type of democracy they want," he noted.
ACT Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe supported the idea, saying it was high time people had democracy that allowed discussions and resolved disputes peacefully.
"Historically, rights depend on the will of the government in power, but not according to citizens’ struggle," he said.
"Multiparty democracy was reintroduced in the country because of the will of the government and not the struggle and demand of the people."
According to him, even the new constitution writing process was initiated basing on the will of fourth phase President Jakaya Kikwete and not citizen's demand.
He insisted that the new move was important after the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD), which was considered a platform for political parties, became toothless.
Renowned cartoonist James Gayo said it was the practice of political parties in Africa to reject and discourage the growth of democracy on the continent.
"Political parties should consider using other strategies after the current strategies have proved to be ineffective," he said.
Owner of Kifai Modern Secondary School located in Kiluvya, Mr Joseph Mmbando, said democratic struggles should be intensified.
"Leaders should have a hard heart when leading movements because there is always the price to pay," he said.
