Tanzania: A Bumpy Road to Consolidated Democracy

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the development of strategies
and methods for the promotion of the transition from authoritarian rule to consolidated democracy in Tanzania. It begins with a critique of the transition paradigm assumptions and takes stock of the transition process in the country for the last fifteen years, identifies achievements recorded so far, challenges that the process is facing and the
opportunities that can be made use of. I have argued in this paper that Tanzania has made some commendable strides in moving away from authoritarian rule to democracy since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1992. However, I posit that in spite of the major strides recorded in the democratization process more remains to be done to
consolidate democracy in Tanzania. There still remains a major constitutional problem that must be addressed including provision for real separation of powers between the three branches of government. The executive still dominates parliament and the latter's functions of control, oversight and representation are hardly fulfilled. The legal framework for an effective multiparty political system does not yet exist. It is also the argument of this paper that political parties have not been able to perform effectively as organs of political association and mouthpieces of their members by articulating their political will and
interests. Finally, a way forward is suggested and this relates to changes that need to be made with regard to the constitution, electoral laws, political parties and the national parliament.

EASSRR Vol. 25 (1) 2009: pp. 1-42