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Draft:2024 Tanzanian Local Government Election

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  • Comment: The overall tone is "one-sided" and does not present a neutral point of view. It reads somewhat like a press release from the government. Also, due to the lack of citations in some sections it reads like an opinion of the author. For example, "political participation at the local level also fosters greater civic engagement" is not cited and therefore appears to be your opinion. You need to revise the tone, and look for balance in the tone. MarcGarver (talk) 11:15, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

Tanzanian Local Government Election is scheduled for November 27, 2024,[1] marking an essential democratic process for grassroots governance.[2] These elections, held every five years, empower citizens of Tanzania Mainland to elect chairpersons for villages, streets, and hamlets, as well as members of local councils.[3] They aim to enhance representation and provide local communities with greater decision-making power in areas like land use, community projects, and service delivery​.[4][5]

This election is particularly significant in light of ongoing democratic reforms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration.[5] The government has emphasized that these reforms seek to improve transparency and credibility in the electoral process, a response to criticisms and boycotts during past elections.[6] Political parties, civil society organizations, and international observers are closely monitoring the upcoming elections, which are seen as a test of Tanzania's commitment to democratic principles.[4][5]

History

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Tanzania has held local government elections every five years since the 1980s, following reforms that established a decentralized governance structure.[7] These elections are an integral part of Tanzania’s efforts to empower communities and enhance public participation in decision-making.[8]

The 2014 elections were among the most contested, with opposition parties gaining substantial representation in local councils. However, the subsequent 2019 elections faced significant criticism due to allegations of irregularities and opposition boycotts. These events have shaped public expectations for the 2024 elections.[4][9] Over the years, local government elections have evolved in terms of administration and inclusivity. Reforms introduced in recent years aim to address historical challenges and improve the credibility of the process. The 2024 elections are expected to build on these reforms, marking a crucial moment in Tanzania’s democratic development[5]

Electoral System

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Tanzania operates a decentralized electoral system for local government elections, designed to promote grassroots democracy and community representation. The system allows eligible voters to elect leaders at village, street (mtaa), and hamlet (kitongoji) levels, as well as council members forwards.[10] These elections are conducted using a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate receiving the most votes in a given constituency is declared the winner. This approach aims to provide a straightforward and transparent voting mechanism, ensuring citizens can directly choose their local leaders​.[11][12]

Voter eligibility is determined by national registration, and the process includes measures to ensure transparency, such as voter registration and public inspection of the voter roll. The government organizes the elections through the President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), while adhering to national electoral laws. Critics, however, have suggested transferring this oversight to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance neutrality, as concerns over fairness have been raised in previous elections.[13]

The electoral system also incorporates mechanisms for dispute resolution, allowing candidates and voters to challenge irregularities through formal complaints to local election authorities. Reforms introduced under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration have emphasized strengthening these processes to enhance accountability and public trust. Observers note that these reforms are crucial for ensuring that local government elections contribute to Tanzania's broader democratic development[12]

Election Preparations

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The Tanzanian government announced the election schedule on August 15, 2024,[4] setting out a comprehensive timeline for preparations. Voter registration was conducted from October 11 to 20, and the public was invited to inspect the voter list starting October 21.[14] This was followed by a formal objections process to ensure the integrity of the voters’ register.[1]

To enhance transparency and inclusivity, the government held training seminars for election officers in October.[15][16] These sessions aimed to equip returning officers and their assistants with the skills needed to manage the electoral process fairly and efficiently. Political parties were also required to submit their campaign schedules to the authorities in advance, ensuring a regulated and orderly campaign period.[1][14]

Campaigning officially commenced on November 20, 2024, providing political parties a platform to present their manifestos.[17] The government has assured voters of peaceful and fair elections, appealing to all eligible citizens to participate actively as voters and candidates. Local leaders and officials have reiterated their commitment to upholding electoral laws and maintaining order during this crucial period​.[1][18]

Political Context

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Tanzania’s local government elections have historically faced challenges, including allegations of irregularities. The 2019 elections, for instance, were marked by mass disqualifications of opposition candidates, prompting boycotts from major parties like CHADEMA.[19][20][21] This history has cast a shadow over the upcoming elections, with opposition parties calling for greater oversight to ensure fairness.[22]

ACT-Wazalendo and CHADEMA have raised concerns about the involvement of the President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) in overseeing the elections. They argue that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should manage these elections, in line with newly passed electoral laws. These parties cite previous incidents, such as alleged ballot manipulation and candidate disqualifications, as reasons for their mistrust.[23][24]

Despite these concerns, opposition leaders have urged their members to participate actively. Both ACT-Wazalendo and CHADEMA have directed their regional officials to ensure representation in all electoral units. This marks a shift from previous election boycotts and reflects a strategic decision to engage with the political process under reformed guidelines[22]

Political analysts and civil society groups have highlighted the importance of these elections as a litmus test for Tanzania’s democratic progress. The government has assured citizens that reforms under President Samia aim to address past shortcomings and promote a more inclusive political environment.[25][26]

Governance and Oversight

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The elections will be administered by the President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), which has drawn criticism from opposition parties.[24] These parties argue that the ministry’s involvement undermines neutrality, as evidenced by controversies during previous elections. However, government officials have defended the ministry's role, citing its mandate to oversee local administrative units.[23][27]

The government has pledged to adhere strictly to electoral laws and uphold ethical standards throughout the process. Regional commissioners and election officers have received training to ensure compliance with these regulations. Officials have also emphasized the importance of peaceful and orderly elections, appealing to citizens to avoid disruptions.[28][29]

Civil society organizations and election observers are expected to play a key role in monitoring the process. The inclusion of these stakeholders is seen as a step toward enhancing accountability and public trust in the elections. Observers have urged the government to address any allegations of irregularities promptly and transparently.[5]

Significance

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The local government elections are critical for strengthening grassroots democracy in Tanzania. They enable communities to elect leaders who directly influence decisions on land management, infrastructure development, and local services. These elections are a cornerstone of Tanzania’s decentralized governance model.[4][5]

Political participation at the local level also fosters greater civic engagement. By voting in these elections, citizens contribute to shaping their immediate environments, thereby promoting accountability and responsiveness among elected leaders. Observers have noted that robust local governance is essential for addressing community-specific challenges effectively. Furthermore, the 2024 elections are viewed as a significant opportunity to reinforce Tanzania’s democratic trajectory. They provide a platform for testing reforms introduced under President Samia’s administration and assessing the inclusivity and transparency of the political system.[5][3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Tangazo la Uchaguzi wa Serikali za Mitaa wa Mwaka 2024". Tamisemi (Ofisi ya Rais - Tawala za Mikoa na Serikali za Mitaa). 15 August 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Uchaguzi wa Serikali za Mitaa ni nini - Kazi Forums". 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  3. ^ a b Mirisho, Ethan (2023-12-18). "The 2024 Local Government Elections as a Precursor to the 2025 General Elections: What Can We Expect?". Tanzania Digest. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  4. ^ a b c d e Reporter, The Chanzo (2024-08-15). "Tanzania Announces Local Govt Elections Amid Opposition's Protests Against Overseeing Authorities - The Chanzo". Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "Tanzania's political parties express hope as government fixes civic polls date". The Citizen. 2024-08-16. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  6. ^ Africa, B. I. (2024-11-02). "Tanzania's election insight: What's next for Mama Samia?". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  7. ^ "Ijue historia ya Serikali za mitaa Tanzania-2". Mwananchi. 2021-03-17. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  8. ^ "Serikali za mitaa: Historia na chimbuko lake tangu ukoloni". Mwananchi. 2021-03-17. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  9. ^ https://www.policyforum-tz.org/sites/default/files/Ujueuchaguzi.pdf. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. ^ "Anatomy of Electoral System of Tanzania | IFES - The International Foundation for Electoral Systems". www.ifes.org. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  11. ^ "Tanzania's voting system under the microscope". The Citizen. 2022-02-16. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  12. ^ a b "INEC | Mifumo ya Uchaguzi". www.inec.go.tz. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  13. ^ "INEC | Historia ya Tume". www.inec.go.tz. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  14. ^ a b "Mwongozo wa Uchaguzi wa Serikali za Mitaa 2024" (PDF). Independent National Electoral committee.
  15. ^ "INEC | INEC yatoa elimu kwa Ma-OCD nchini kuhusu sheria za uchaguzi". www.inec.go.tz. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  16. ^ "MAFUNZO YA UCHAGUZI". rungwedc.go.tz. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  17. ^ "Kampeni za uchaguzi wa serikali za mitaa zaanza Tanzania – DW – 20.11.2024". dw.com (in Swahili). Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  18. ^ "Kampeni za Serikali za Mitaa Tanzania zaanza, wapinzani walalamika". Voice of America (in Swahili). 2024-11-20. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  19. ^ "Chadema walalamika wagombea wake kuenguliwa kiholela – DW – 20.11.2024". dw.com (in Swahili). Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  20. ^ "Siasa za Tanzania: Kujitoa uchaguzi serikali za mitaa ni mwisho wa uvumilivu wa chama cha siasa". BBC News Swahili (in Swahili). Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  21. ^ "Upinzani Tanzania waelezea figisu kuelekea uchaguzi – DW – 08.11.2024". dw.com (in Swahili). Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  22. ^ a b "Mbowe atoa maagizo ushiriki uchaguzi serikali za mitaa". Mwananchi. 2024-03-08. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  23. ^ a b "Serikali yaweka mapingamizi manne kesi ya uchaguzi serikali za mitaa". Mwananchi. 2024-08-28. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  24. ^ a b "Wafungua kesi kupinga TAMISEMI kusimamia uchaguzi Serikali za Mtaa | JAMHURI MEDIA". www.jamhurimedia.co.tz. 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  25. ^ "Uchaguzi wa Serikali za Mitaa kipimo kwa Rais Samia. - Mwanzo TV". mwanzotv.com. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  26. ^ https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1722041122-Uchaguzi_Jarida_Mei%202024.pdf
  27. ^ "Uchaguzi wa Serikali za Mitaa nchini Novemba, 2024". dodomacc.go.tz. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  28. ^ "Tanzania: Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report". Freedom House. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  29. ^ https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/10/tanzania-experts-call-urgent-action-amid-crackdown-civil-society-ahead
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