University of Dar hosts forum to scrutinise party manifestos

Dar es Salaam. With just weeks before Tanzanians head to the ballot box on October 29, the University of Dar es Salaam Academic Staff Assembly (Udasa) has announced a high-level public dialogue where political parties will be interrogated on their election manifestos.

Udasa chairperson Prof Elgidius Ichumbaki told a press conference yesterday that the dialogue, set for September 28 at the university’s Nkrumah Hall, will offer citizens a rare opportunity to question party leaders on their campaign pledges.

“All parties contesting this election, as recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have been invited. They will be required to clarify what is feasible in their manifestos and what is not,” said Prof Ichumbaki.

He observed that while manifestos remain the key contract between voters and parties, many promises made recently raise doubts.

“As scholars, we have noted proposals that cannot be implemented within five years. Others are practical and timely. Citizens must be allowed to ask: Why promise to deliver ‘A’ within five years when it is impossible?” he said.

Why the dialogue matters

The debate will bring together all 18 political parties cleared to contest the 2025 General Election. Party secretaries-general are expected to present and defend their manifestos.

Udasa vice chairperson, Assoc Prof Daniel Shila, said the forum is meant to sharpen citizens’ awareness of accountability.

“We want to awaken the public to hold leaders responsible. When leaders fail to deliver on their manifestos after elections, people should be able to demand answers,” he said.

Udasa secretary, Dr Dominikus Makukula, stressed that the dialogue is part of academics’ wider mandate of public service and education.

“Manifestos are not just campaign tools; they are contracts between politicians and citizens. We want parties to understand that people know manifestos must be truthful, implementable, and relevant,” he explained.

He added, “When a manifesto is presented, it creates an agreement between the party and the people. If promises are not fulfilled, then the public has every right to hold them accountable.”

Independent political analysts said Udasa’s move is timely and could reshape how Tanzanians engage with politics.

Governance researcher, Dr Asha Mwapamba, told The Citizen the dialogue will help voters separate rhetoric from reality.

“Campaigns are often full of ambitious promises, some verging on fantasy. A platform where parties are scrutinised by scholars and citizens is vital, as it will empower voters to make informed decisions based on what is realistic," she said.

Another analyst, Mr Joseph Mtebe, described Udasa’s initiative as a “game changer.”

“Many Tanzanians vote on emotions or party loyalty. This debate will highlight the feasibility of manifestos. If citizens understand that a manifesto is a binding contract, they will vote more wisely,” he argued.

Mr Mtebe added that the timing of the event, just one month before the polls, gives voters enough time to reflect.

According to Udasa, the dialogue structure will allow each secretary-general to outline their party’s key goals.

Scholars, including political scientist Dr Victoria Makulilo and veteran broadcaster Dr Ayub Rioba, will then interrogate them. The public will also be allowed to ask questions.

“This will not just be a platform for politicians to market their manifestos. It will be a forum where experts dissect promises and expose what is achievable and what is not,” said Prof Ichumbaki.

Udasa leaders said the aim is not to police parties but to equip citizens with knowledge.

“We want Tanzanians to approach the ballot box on October 29 with clarity. They should know which party has realistic policies that can change lives,” said Dr Makukula.

As the campaign season intensifies, parties have been making bold pledges, from rapid industrialisation to universal healthcare and digital transformation.

Scholars argue that while ambition is welcome, feasibility must guide voter choices.

“The debate will ensure manifestos are not mere wish lists. It will compel politicians to explain the ‘how’ behind their promises,” stressed Dr Mwapamba.

For many Tanzanians, the Udasa dialogue may prove to be the most important campaign event this season, a forum where promises meet reality and where the electorate gains tools to make informed choices.