Exactly two weeks ago, on November 5th, 2020; the newly elected President, John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, took the oath of office relating to the country’s Presidency; and that is when he commenced his second and final term as the 5th President of the United Republic of Tanzania As expected, it was a grand and colourful ceremony, held at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma, the newly proclaimed country’s capital city, and the seat of the Government of the United Republic.
I had the very good fortune of having been given the rare honour and privilege of presenting to the President the major traditional symbol of power and authority, namely the SPEAR. I had been selected to represent the Elders of Tanzania Mainland, along with a fellow Elder from Zanzibar, who was selected to represent the Elders of that part of the United Republic. He presented a symbolic SHIELD. Indeed, that was a very gracious and memorable moment for me.
Some reflections on the 2020 general election.
There were two outstanding features of the 2020 general election that have, inevitably, attracted public discussion. They were: (a) the low turnout of voters, compared to the 2015 general election; and (b) the presumed ‘adverse effect’ in Parliament, of CCM’s landslide victory which has completely eliminated the official Opposition camp of ‘shadow ministers’ from the House..
The low turnout of voters during the 2020 general election has been the subject of discussion among the community, mainly for the purpose of trying to establish the cause for such political apathy. The voting statistics show that only 51% of all the registered voters actually turned up to cast their votes at their respective polling stations on election day, 28th October, 2020. This phenomenon is commonly described as “voter apathy”; and is a usual occurrence in many other jurisdictions in which the voting exercise is not a compulsory legal requirement, as is the case in Australia.
It will probably be remembered, that this phenomenon (of registered voters staying away from polling stations), also happened in respect of our 2010 general election ; when the voter turnout was even lower; a dismal 42.8%, down from a high 84% (of 10,088,484) registered voters) in 2000; and 72% (of 16,442,657 registered voters) in 2005. But subsequently, the voter turnout rose to 67% (of 23,161,440 registered voters) in 2015; but went down again this year, to 51% (of 29,188,347 registered voters).
There were two outstanding features of the 2020 general election that have, inevitably, attracted public discussion. They were: (a) the low turnout of voters, compared to the 2015 general election; and (b) the presumed ‘adverse effect’ in Parliament, of CCM’s landslide victory which has completely eliminated the official Opposition camp of ‘shadow ministers’ from the House..
The low turnout of voters during the 2020 general election has been the subject of discussion among the community, mainly for the purpose of trying to establish the cause for such political apathy. The voting statistics show that only 51% of all the registered voters actually turned up to cast their votes at their respective polling stations on election day, 28th October, 2020. This phenomenon is commonly described as “voter apathy”; and is a usual occurrence in many other jurisdictions in which the voting exercise is not a compulsory legal requirement, as is the case in Australia.
It will probably be remembered, that this phenomenon (of registered voters staying away from polling stations), also happened in respect of our 2010 general election ; when the voter turnout was even lower; a dismal 42.8%, down from a high 84% (of 10,088,484) registered voters) in 2000; and 72% (of 16,442,657 registered voters) in 2005. But subsequently, the voter turnout rose to 67% (of 23,161,440 registered voters) in 2015; but went down again this year, to 51% (of 29,188,347 registered voters).
It would indeed, be a worthwhile exercise to spend some time trying to decipher the true reason, or reasons, for this changing voters’ behavior; as has already been done by some political analysts.
The views from political analysts.
The CITIZEN Newspaper of 1st November, 2020, helpfully reported the views expressed by some of the political analysts whom it had interviewed. An analysts from the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof Ibrahim Bakari, is reported to have said that this low turnout was due to “lack of faith in the electoral system”. With due respect, Prof Bakari is obviously biased. The electoral system has not changed since election year 2000, when the voter turnout was a high 84%. If, indeed, Tanzanians had “no faith” in the system itself; how will he explain that high turnout?
Another University don, Dr. Paul Luisulie from the University of Dodoma, is reported to have given the view that “there were those who fell sick on election day, and others who were travelling, or had to attend to urgent matters”. Again, with due respect, that cannot be a plausible explanation for such a large number of absentees from polling stations. Yes, people must have travelled on election day, and others must have been sick, but certainly not in such large numbers! There must therefore be other reasons which would account for this “voter apathy “, which occurs alternatively between high and low turnouts.
My own recollection of the low voter turnout in the 2010 general election, is that it was primarily based on a silent political protest, based on the following two factors:- One, that was the period when CCM’s popularity was at its lowest ebb, the party being faced with serious accusations of mega corruption among its leaders at the national level, plus many other serious human failings such as the plundering public funds with impunity, and an assortment of other evils.
The CITIZEN Newspaper of 1st November, 2020, helpfully reported the views expressed by some of the political analysts whom it had interviewed. An analysts from the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof Ibrahim Bakari, is reported to have said that this low turnout was due to “lack of faith in the electoral system”. With due respect, Prof Bakari is obviously biased. The electoral system has not changed since election year 2000, when the voter turnout was a high 84%. If, indeed, Tanzanians had “no faith” in the system itself; how will he explain that high turnout?
Another University don, Dr. Paul Luisulie from the University of Dodoma, is reported to have given the view that “there were those who fell sick on election day, and others who were travelling, or had to attend to urgent matters”. Again, with due respect, that cannot be a plausible explanation for such a large number of absentees from polling stations. Yes, people must have travelled on election day, and others must have been sick, but certainly not in such large numbers! There must therefore be other reasons which would account for this “voter apathy “, which occurs alternatively between high and low turnouts.
My own recollection of the low voter turnout in the 2010 general election, is that it was primarily based on a silent political protest, based on the following two factors:- One, that was the period when CCM’s popularity was at its lowest ebb, the party being faced with serious accusations of mega corruption among its leaders at the national level, plus many other serious human failings such as the plundering public funds with impunity, and an assortment of other evils.
Two, there were actually only dim and distant prospects of the Opposition winning the prestigious Presidential election, simply because they did not have a strong enough candidate. Thus, in such peculiar circumstances; very many people (including the Opposition parties’ supports who saw no prospect of winning the election), plus the large numbers of disappointed CCM voters (who did not want to go to the polls to vote for the Opposition candidates), both these groups just decided to stay at home, in silent protest.
On the contrary, the 2015 Presidential election offered very bright prospects for the Opposition CHADEMA party to win the Presidential election. This was because of the extraordinary high popularity of that party’s candidate, Edward Lowassa; which was a sufficient inducement for the Opposition parties’ supporters, and many others, to turn up in big numbers, to vote for Lowassa, their preferred candidate; which accounts for the rise in voter turnout to a decent 67%.
There is not enough information yet, to explain this year’s general election’s similarly large absenteeism of registered voters from their respective polling stations. But one plausible explanation could be, that those who did not want CCM to win the election, but saw no reasonable chance for the Opposition parties winning it, just decided to boycott the voting exercise, in order to deny victory to CCM.
On the contrary, the 2015 Presidential election offered very bright prospects for the Opposition CHADEMA party to win the Presidential election. This was because of the extraordinary high popularity of that party’s candidate, Edward Lowassa; which was a sufficient inducement for the Opposition parties’ supporters, and many others, to turn up in big numbers, to vote for Lowassa, their preferred candidate; which accounts for the rise in voter turnout to a decent 67%.
There is not enough information yet, to explain this year’s general election’s similarly large absenteeism of registered voters from their respective polling stations. But one plausible explanation could be, that those who did not want CCM to win the election, but saw no reasonable chance for the Opposition parties winning it, just decided to boycott the voting exercise, in order to deny victory to CCM.
Furthermore, (based on my experience of the past ‘one-party’ period), there were also those misguided ones who believed that President Magufuli and CCM were going to win anyway, even without their votes ; and so, they mistakenly decided to stay at home.
The effect of CCM’s landslide victory.
CCM’s landslide victory is another feature of the 2020 general election that has generated discussion among the community, focusing mainly on wondering what its effect of parliamentary proceedings will be; with many discussants speculating that because of the absence of the Official Opposition therein, parliamentary debates are likely to be ‘dull and uninteresting’.
With due respect, I have a totally different version of that story. With my little experience of how Parliament works in practice, having presided over its proceedings during both the ‘one-party era and the subsequent multiparty period, my humble submission is that the anticipated parliamentary proceeding may probably appear to be “dull and uninteresting”, but this will apply only to those ‘ simple minded’ members of the community, who seek mere ‘entertainment’ (usanii) from such serious parliamentary proceedings, which normally relate to serious national matters such as the passing of the country’s laws, and voting money for implementing the country’s development projects; matters which the Official Opposition camp in Parliament has always opposed, dramatically shouting their “NO”” votes to every Government proposal, (including proposals for the Government annual budget, which also pays their personal salaries and other emoluments) !
The effect of CCM’s landslide victory.
CCM’s landslide victory is another feature of the 2020 general election that has generated discussion among the community, focusing mainly on wondering what its effect of parliamentary proceedings will be; with many discussants speculating that because of the absence of the Official Opposition therein, parliamentary debates are likely to be ‘dull and uninteresting’.
With due respect, I have a totally different version of that story. With my little experience of how Parliament works in practice, having presided over its proceedings during both the ‘one-party era and the subsequent multiparty period, my humble submission is that the anticipated parliamentary proceeding may probably appear to be “dull and uninteresting”, but this will apply only to those ‘ simple minded’ members of the community, who seek mere ‘entertainment’ (usanii) from such serious parliamentary proceedings, which normally relate to serious national matters such as the passing of the country’s laws, and voting money for implementing the country’s development projects; matters which the Official Opposition camp in Parliament has always opposed, dramatically shouting their “NO”” votes to every Government proposal, (including proposals for the Government annual budget, which also pays their personal salaries and other emoluments) !
Yes indeed, these are some of the ‘entertainment theatrics’ that will be missing in the 12th Parliament, because the professional ‘actors’ failed to make it to the august House in the numbers that are required by the relevant Parliamentary Rules. Thus, if only the absence of such ‘theatrics’ is what will make parliamentary proceedings “dull and uninteresting”, then I strongly beg to differ .
On the contrary, the public should expect to see some lively contributions of fresh ideas from the newly elected youthful CCM MPS, who will be determined to prove to their constituents (the voters who elected them), that they, indeed, made the right and proper choices.
On the contrary, the public should expect to see some lively contributions of fresh ideas from the newly elected youthful CCM MPS, who will be determined to prove to their constituents (the voters who elected them), that they, indeed, made the right and proper choices.
My own personal experience has been that, when there is no official opposition in Parliament, as was the case during the ‘one-party ‘ period, that is when some of the CCM MPS normally constitute what are known as “pressure groups” , in order to provide an effective challenge to the Government, as and when the need arises.
In any case, it is most unlikely tha there will be any matters presented by the Ministers to Parliament, which could attract justified criticism or challenge; for two obvious reasons. One is that President Magufuli’s Government will, primarily, be implementing the promises and undertakings that were made in the CCM election manifesto, all of which are for the benefit of our country, plus the betterment of the lives of its people.
The second reason is that the Ministers themselves are also members of Parliament, duly elected by the same voters. They are therefore, ipso facto, equally answerable to the same voters. Hence, they cannot foolishly risk annoying their constituents, by presenting to Parliament any proposals that are against the peoples’ interests; since they too (like their colleagues on the back benches), also want to be re-elected next time.
A combination of these factors, is what will ensure that whatever is presented by to Parliament by the Government will definitely be ‘fit for consumption’. This practically eliminates the need for an organized official Opposition inside Parliament.
The late President Nyerere, had occasion to offer his views on this matter, in one of his powerful written presentations, i as follows :- “ The system of multi-party politics, is justifiable only when there are parties which are divided over some fundamental issues. Otherwise, that system only encourages the growth of factionalism.
The late President Nyerere, had occasion to offer his views on this matter, in one of his powerful written presentations, i as follows :- “ The system of multi-party politics, is justifiable only when there are parties which are divided over some fundamental issues. Otherwise, that system only encourages the growth of factionalism.
Take, for example, the case of two major parties. Both have the interests of the people at heart (or so they claim). Both believe that education is a good thing, and should be made available to everyone. Both believe that a fair living wage should be paid to all workers; and that medical care should be within the reach of all, and so on. Given that fundamental agreement, it would be far more sensible if both parties were to cooperate, and let the electorate choose the best individuals among them; so that the chosen representatives will meet in Parliament basically to discuss the details of how best to implement the agreed programmes, and thereafter, cooperate fully in implementation them”.
It is my submission, that the 12th Parliament fits perfectly very well in that description; namely that it consists of the ‘best individuals’ who have been freely chosen by the electorate; and who will examine, with due diligence, all the proposals which will be brought before them in Parliament. There will therefore be no possibility of its proceedings being “dull and uninteresting”.
It is my submission, that the 12th Parliament fits perfectly very well in that description; namely that it consists of the ‘best individuals’ who have been freely chosen by the electorate; and who will examine, with due diligence, all the proposals which will be brought before them in Parliament. There will therefore be no possibility of its proceedings being “dull and uninteresting”.
CHADEMA’s refusal to submit names for the Special Women seats.
Then there is also the little matter of CHADEMA’s strange refusal, to submit the names of their candidates for the 19 women seats which have been allotted to them. Apart from its meager political value of a protest demonstration, such action will have no meaningful effect whatsoever on the proceedings of Parliament; since the number of MPs who have taken the oath, is already more than enough to form the required quorum (which is half of the total membership of the House) for the House to make valid decisions on any matter. There is thus no danger of any of its decisions being challenged in court, merely for lack of validity.
piomsekwa@gmail.com / 0754767576.
Then there is also the little matter of CHADEMA’s strange refusal, to submit the names of their candidates for the 19 women seats which have been allotted to them. Apart from its meager political value of a protest demonstration, such action will have no meaningful effect whatsoever on the proceedings of Parliament; since the number of MPs who have taken the oath, is already more than enough to form the required quorum (which is half of the total membership of the House) for the House to make valid decisions on any matter. There is thus no danger of any of its decisions being challenged in court, merely for lack of validity.
piomsekwa@gmail.com / 0754767576.
Source: Daily News and Cde Msekwa.
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