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Electoral campaigns chaos: Where are the rules of the game?
2005-09-26 08:28:29
By Rayner Ngonji
The current characteristics where the on-going electoral campaigns are marred by chaotic incidents signal a bad omen for our long cherished peace and tranquility in the political trend.
Reports from the regions have it that there are sporadic clashes in the campaign trail amongst key political parties—the ruling party CCM, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) and Civic United Front (CUF) resulting in several injuries.
The worst of such incidents was in Bukoba urban last week where 40 people were injured following exchange of steel rods, stones, matchet and sticks between followers of the above mentioned political parties.
There hasn’t been an exact clue as to how fans and members of the alleged political parties engaged in the fight. The slightest information available says that it all developed when CCM and members aboard buses and lorries were returning from a rally.
On the way they met with CUF members and fans who were heading to a rally on foot.
All of a sudden a group of thugs emerged from their hideouts and started attacking them sparking off a counter attack from the other side.
It has not been clear to which political party did this alleged gang belonged to.
However, the Chadema Chairman, Freeman Mbowe who is also the party’s union presidential candidate has frequently been complaining of a foul play from the state organs responsible for ensuring that the campaigns are held under free and peaceful atmosphere.
He says there have been incidents where the state organs like the police were exercising partisanship in the whole affair.
He cited Tarime District where his rallies were marred by chaotic activities and his party’s Parliamentary candidate for Rorya Constituency had his house gutted by fire in an arsenal act. But no action has been taken so far.
The ruling party on the other hand has been showering blames for some unbecoming behaviour on the opposition accusing them of advocating divisive governance bent on ruining the national unity.
This dirty game is being experienced when 17 political parties have well in advance entered into an agreement with the Electoral Commission (TEC) committing themselves to adhering to regulations that govern the electoral process.
Apparently judging from what is taking place on the ground the agreement does not seem to be honoured. What has led to such precedence the stakeholders themselves have the answer.
What is clear is that the trend has got to be dealt with immediately to create a conducive atmosphere for free and peaceful elections on October 30.
Failure to act now is likely to lead to a situation of calling for the intervention of state apparatus, an uncalled for exercise because it would defeat the whole purpose of democracy.
One way of promoting democracy is by strengthening civil society.
A politically active civil society plays a critical role in deepening democratic institutions, but in most emerging democracies these civic organizations lack full working knowledge of democratic principles and human rights standards.
Responding fully to the will of the people and building self-government to ensure citizens continue participating in the political life of respective nations requires much longer-term work. Nonetheless, one of the most profound trends in world history today is the spread of democracy.
The US based Carter Centre for Democracy notes that while elections are an essential part of the democratic process, elections alone are not enough to make a democracy.
One free election does not change the political culture of a society overnight. And election monitoring is only a part of the process of promoting democracy.
People can improve their lives when they are empowered to exercise control over how they are governed. Global democracy programmes work with other institutions such as the Global Development Initiative and the Conflict Resolution Program, to realize this goal.
The involvement of other programs creates the comprehensive, long-term strategic approach needed to help nations build peaceful, just, and economically viable societies.
Sustainable democratic governance depends upon a legal system that protects people’s individual rights and property. The judicial system must enjoy public confidence and be seen to resolve disputes efficiently and administer justice fairly.
Many countries in transition from authoritarian rule are plagued by corrupt or inefficient judicial systems.
National institutions and laws protecting human rights are essential to deepening democracy.
Different Democracy programmes help emerging democracies incorporate human rights precepts into institutions, such as human rights commissions, educational systems, and the judiciary.
Strengthening the international human rights system also contributes to democratic transitions by setting and enforcing standards for governments’ behavior toward individuals and groups.
rgonji@guardian.co.tz
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