The Quest for Public Accountability and Effectiveness of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance in Tanzania

Abstract

This article argues that public accountability is an essential attribute for the functioning of democracy in any country. It is for this purpose that agencies of accountability (oversight institutions) like the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance in Tanzania are established to promote public accountability. However, the Commission has largely failed to live to the expectations of the people. The article attributes the negative performance of the Commission to embedded deficiencies within its architectural design. It emphasizes the need to address the deficiencies of the Commission in order to promote socio-economic and political development of the country which comes with effective public accountability.