The Tanzania Center for Democracy (TCD) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of district dialogue forums (DDF) and the inaugural meetings in nine districts across Tanzania.
These districts encompass Nyamagana and Ilemela in Mwanza, Rorya, Tarime, and Musoma in Mara, Kasulu and Kigoma Urban in Kigoma, and Newala and Mtwara Urban in Mtwara.
Participants at the launch events primarily represented TCD partner parties, such as Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Civic United Front (CUF), The National Convention for Construction and Reform – Mageuzi (NCCR-Mageuzi), The Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT–Wazalendo), and the Party for Democracy and Progress (CHADEMA).
The attendees were mainly district-level political party leaders, including chairpersons, secretaries, youth and womens wing leaders, and other leaders from the district political committees.
The launch events were graced by national leaders who are part of the TCD technical committee, demonstrating their support and commitment to fostering political dialogue at the district level. Notably, the office of District Commissioners (DCs) and Office Commanding Districts (OCDs) were also represented across the districts.
The dialogues covered various crucial issues, including the importance of political tolerance and the role of political dialogue in promoting democracy. Participants engaged in discussions about the challenges faced by Tanzanias democracy, issues concerning local-level democracy, and strategies to overcome these challenges.
These dialogues were well-received by the participants, who viewed them as an invaluable platform to address critical issues, especially with upcoming elections like the local elections in 2024 and the general elections in 2025. The government officials, including District Commissioners and the police, welcomed the dialogues, with some District Commissioners attending the launch events, while others sent representatives.
The dialogues garnered positive media coverage through traditional and online platforms.
Training of youth on national Election Act, Political Parties Act and Electoral Cycle.
The Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) successfully bolstered the knowledge and competencies of youth associated with TCD-affiliated political parties in ten regions. This educational initiative focused on the legislative framework governing political and electoral affairs, including the National Election Act, the Political Parties Act, and comprehension of the Electoral Cycle.
This project not only enhanced the youths capacity to participate effectively in electoral and political processes but also honed their ability to analyze electoral regulations. Participants overwhelmingly found these three core subjects to be immensely valuable for their involvement in political and electoral activities. The sharing of personal experiences among participants kindled meaningful discussions and heightened the vibrancy of the sessions. Numerous pertinent issues concerning electoral laws and the electoral cycle were deliberated upon, allowing participants to draw valuable insights from these exchanges.
Nyamagana District Dialogue Forum.
The Nyamagana District Dialogue Forum was officially launched by the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) on the 21st and 22nd of July 2023. This significant event took place at the Isamo Hotel in the Mwanza region and saw the participation of leaders from TCD-affiliated political parties at the district level, technical committee members from TCDs national level, and a representative from the Nyamagana District Commissioner (DC) and Nyamagana Office Commanding District (OCD).
During the discussions, participants emphasized several key takeaways that are expected to enhance political tolerance and contribute to a successful, peaceful, and inclusive democratic process in Nyamagana and across Tanzania. These takeaways included:
1. Reducing the involvement of state institutions, especially the police, in electoral processes.
2. Advocating for the independence of election management bodies (EMBs) to ensure the conduct of peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.
3. Encouraging political parties to develop and adopt codes of conduct regarding political tolerance, especially during election periods.
4. Addressing corruption and violence during elections to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
5. Urging a comprehensive review of the constitution-making process to address various legal challenges related to politics and elections.
6. Promoting cooperation with the police forces to minimize unnecessary conflicts.
7. Emphasizing the detrimental impact of corruption during elections, particularly on the rights of disadvantaged individuals.
Kasulu District Dialogue Forum
On the 21st and 22nd of July 2023, TCD inaugurated the Kasulu District Dialogue Forum, complemented by the first meeting of this dialogic initiative. The event was hosted at the Patro Centre in Kasulu, Kigoma, and saw the active participation of district-level leaders from TCD-affiliated political parties.
Participants brought forth several key insights aimed at enhancing political tolerance and contributing to the success of peaceful and inclusive democratic processes in Kasulu and the broader Tanzanian context. These insights encompassed:
1. Concerns from opposition parties regarding their limited involvement in the monitoring of government projects, with a suggestion to provide a platform for all political parties to participate in planning, implementation, and monitoring of development projects.
2. The intention to utilize the forum as a means to disseminate the significance of dialogues to their members at the local level, with a potential for customization at the ward level if supported.
3. Recommendations for amendments to existing laws to create a level playing field for all political parties.
4. Questioning the extent of presidential powers in appointing key figures such as District Commissioners, District Executive Directors (DED), and election directors, and how these appointments may align with the interests of the ruling party.
5. The discussion of the need for a new constitution was raised in Kasulu.
6. Participants in Kasulu sought TCDs collaboration with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) during elections to monitor and address corrupt practices within election campaigns.
Kigoma Urban District Dialogue Forum
On the 22nd and 23rd of July in 2023, TCD launched the Kigoma Urban District Dialogue Forum and facilitated its inaugural meeting. This significant event took place at the Nzimano Centre in Kigoma and drew the participation of leaders from TCD-affiliated political parties at the district level.
Participants underscored a series of key insights aimed at enhancing political tolerance and contributing to a successful, peaceful, and inclusive democratic process in Kigoma Urban and Tanzania as a whole. These insights encompassed:
1. The imperative need to reform the National Electoral Commission (NEC), specifically to avoid the use of public servants as election returning officers, and to establish a transparent procedure for recruiting NEC staff rather than relying on presidential appointments.
2. The call for an independent Electoral Commission to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections.
3. The importance of ensuring security officers, such as the police, maintain maximum neutrality in their support of political party activities.
4. The obligation of political parties to adhere to laws and procedures, as well as fulfill their responsibilities, which include respecting one another, refraining from the use of abusive language, and showing respect for the properties and flags of other parties.
5. The recognition of the need for a new constitution and minimal reforms to bolster the multi-party system and its associated structures.
6. Advocacy for political parties, through the forum, to provide civic education.
7. Ensuring the sustainability of the dialogue platform (DDF) as spearheaded by TCD.
Ilemela District Dialogue Forum
The Ilemela District Dialogue Forum was officially inaugurated by TCD on the 24th and 25th of July 2023, accompanied by the support for its initial meeting. The proceedings unfolded at the Isamo Hotel in Mwanza and witnessed the presence of leaders representing TCD-affiliated political parties at the district level. Additionally, technical committee members from TCDs national level attended, along with a representative from Ilemela District Commissioner (DC) and Ilemela Office Commanding District (OCD).
Participants emphasized several key takeaways aimed at enhancing political tolerance and fostering successful, peaceful, and inclusive democratic processes in Kigoma Urban and Tanzania on a broader scale. These takeaways included:
1. The utilization of the forum for consultative dialogues, particularly during election periods, to effectively address political disputes.
2. The collective responsibility of all political stakeholders to contribute to the improvement of the political environment during elections.
3. The need for the forum to actively work on strengthening the relationship between political parties and law enforcement agencies, particularly the police force.
4. The recommendation for political parties to develop and adopt Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections.
5. The necessity for establishing an Independent Electoral Commission before elections to guarantee free and fair electoral processes.
6. Emphasizing the importance of the police force maintaining neutrality to create a level playing field for all political parties in political and electoral activities.
Musoma District Dialogue Forum
The Musoma District Dialogue Forum was officially launched by TCD on the 26th and 27th of July in 2023, accompanied by support for its initial meeting. The events took place at the Anglican Centre conference in Musoma and brought together leaders representing TCD-affiliated political parties at the district level.
Notably, no government officials were present at the dialogue, as it coincided with a public meeting organized by the CCM on the same date. Additionally, there were no representatives from the Office Commanding District (OCD), as they were all deployed to the CCM meeting for security purposes.
Participants highlighted several key takeaways aimed at enhancing political tolerance and contributing to a successful, peaceful, and inclusive democratic process, not only in Musoma but across Tanzania. These takeaways included:
1. Recommendations for the reform of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to establish an independent electoral commission.
2. The forums role in facilitating dialogues among political parties to ensure a fair political environment and promote political tolerance among democratic actors.
3. The responsibility of political parties to actively engage in providing civic education.
4. Advocacy for frequent dialogues among political parties to address existing electoral and political challenges and suggest areas for reforms.
Tarime District Dialogue Forum
On the 28th and 29th of July 2023, TCD launched the Tarime District Dialogue Forum and actively supported its inaugural meeting. These significant events took place at the BlueSky Hotel in Tarime and were attended by leaders representing TCD-affiliated political parties at the district level.
Participants highlighted several key takeaways intended to enhance political tolerance and contribute to a successful, peaceful, and inclusive democratic process in Tarime and Tanzania at large. These takeaways encompassed:
1. The imperative need for the forum to collaborate closely with the police force to ensure their fairness in political and electoral processes.
2. Encouragement for political parties to increase the nomination of women and youth as candidates in elections.
3. The recommendation for political parties to reform their special seat selection procedures to achieve better representation of women and reduce conflicts and issues related to corruption in the selection process.
4. The proposal to involve the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in the forum to provide education to political parties and citizens regarding the detrimental effects of corruption in elections.
5. The governments responsibility to establish an independent electoral commission to ensure free and fair elections in 2024 and 2025.
6. Advocacy for making the fight against corruption a national priority, as it deprives the rights of the poor during elections.
7. Emphasizing the need to protect women in the electoral processes.
Rorya District Dialogue Forum
On the 29th and 30th of July 2023, TCD officially launched the Rorya District Dialogue Forum and actively facilitated its inaugural meeting. The events took place at the Blue Sky Hotel and saw the participation of leaders representing TCD-affiliated political parties at the district level.
Participants highlighted key takeaways intended to enhance political tolerance and contribute to successful, peaceful, and inclusive democratic processes not only in Rorya but also across Kigoma Urban and Tanzania as a whole. These takeaways encompassed:
1. The necessity of legal and electoral reforms to create a conducive environment for all political parties, including the need for a new constitution.
2. The forums potential to serve as a platform for political parties to advocate for a "no dirty politics" agenda, thereby reducing conflicts and disputes among party members.
3. Utilizing the forum for fostering cooperation among political parties on matters of public interest and concern.
Mtwara Urban District Dialogue Forum
On the 28th and 29th of July 2023, TCD officially launched the Mtwara District Dialogue Forum and actively facilitated its inaugural meeting. The events were hosted at Naf Apartments-Pweza Hall in Mtwara and saw the participation of leaders representing TCD-affiliated political parties at the district level.
Participants outlined key takeaways intended to enhance political tolerance and contribute to successful, peaceful, and inclusive democratic processes not only in Mtwara Urban but also across Kigoma and Tanzania as a whole. These key takeaways include:
1. Utilizing the forum as a platform for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and reflection among political stakeholders in Mtwara Urban.
2. Advocating for TCDs support in institutionalizing political parties dialogue platforms at the ward level.
3. Ensuring the forum remains relevant by focusing on agendas that reflect the social, economic, and political dynamics of the district.
4. Engaging in discussions on national issues of interest and providing recommendations for upcoming reform processes.
Newala District Dialogue Forum
On the 1st and 2nd of August 2023, the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) marked the launch of the Newala District Dialogue Forum and actively supported the initial meeting of this dialogue platform. These events unfolded at the Newala Urban District Council in Newala and were graced by the presence of leaders representing TCD-affiliated political parties at the district level.
Throughout the discussions, participants shed light on critical takeaways aimed at fostering political tolerance and contributing to the achievement of peaceful and inclusive democratic processes, not only in Newala but across Kigoma Urban and Tanzania as a whole. These takeaways encompass:
1. Advocating for the observance of political parties code of conduct and the adherence to legal frameworks that govern the operations of political parties.
2. Promoting civic education among forum members, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration among political parties to ensure peaceful elections and the development process.
3. Organizing meetings and extending invitations to key stakeholders, thereby creating a platform for discussions on various community issues and devising comprehensive solutions.
4. A demand for legal and electoral reforms to establish an environment conducive to all political parties, which includes the imperative need for a new constitution.
5. Utilizing the forums as a platform for political parties to promote a "no dirty politics" agenda, aiming to mitigate quarrels and conflicts among party members.
6. Harnessing the forum as a means to foster collaborative efforts among political parties on matters of public interest.
Success Story from the Dialogues.
The dialogues facilitated by the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) have yielded remarkable success stories, reflecting the impact of these constructive discussions. Participants have shown a deep appreciation for TCDs role in bringing together political parties for these dialogues. They have not only recognized this but have also been inspired to utilize the dialogue forums as a means to encourage their fellow party followers to embrace and cultivate a culture of tolerance and cooperation.
In each district, the District Commissioner and the Police Force have pledged their unwavering support to ensure the success of forum activities. Additionally, participants, in a remarkable display of unity, elected forum leaders, comprising a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and two members. This five-member committee, representing each political party, was selected to lead the forums efforts. Whats particularly noteworthy is that in most of these dialogues, participants proposed or nominated leaders from opposing political parties. For example, in Newala, the chairperson, who hails from the Civic United Front (CUF), was nominated by a Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) member, while the National Convention for Construction and Reform (NCCR) nominated a representative from the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) to be the forums secretary.
The District Commissioner, Hon. Mwangi Rajabu Kundya, expressed his admiration for this display of cooperation, stating, "This is very interesting to see CCM and CUF, who have stiff competition in our region (district), sitting together, sharing experiences, discussing, enjoying the training, and, good enough, nominating their counterpart in the top position of forum leadership. This is the politics that brings development to our people."
In a district like Mara, known for its high political tension and competition, there were initial doubts regarding the ability of TCD to bring political parties together to engage in peaceful discussions and reach consensus. However, the representative of the Office Commanding District (OCD) at the Rorya dialogue shared his surprise and optimism. He acknowledged that he had contemplated either declining the invitation from TCD or providing security at the conference premises. But he recognized the importance of dialogue and decided to attend. In Rorya, he was astonished to see political parties coming together and setting aside their ideological differences. He expressed confidence that the platform would simplify his work in Rorya by helping to reduce tension and political conflicts in the region. He said, "I still can’t believe that these political parties in Rorya have decided to come together and put aside their ideological differences. This platform will make my work in Rorya simple..."
These dialogues are expected to be instrumental in promoting a peaceful political process as Tanzania moves toward constitutional and electoral reforms and the 2024-2025 civic and general elections.