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| Prof. Anna Tibaijuka. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a bold and timely statement, Prof. Anna Tibaijuka has sounded the alarm on electoral fraud in Tanzania, emphasizing the need for vigilance and structural reforms.
Speaking at the Democracy Day forum in Dar es Salaam on September 14, 2024, the former UN-Habitat Executive Director, seasoned politician, and respected academic outlined serious concerns about the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
Her analysis, grounded in decades of experience both locally and internationally, highlighted systematic vote tampering, late polling station openings, and manipulation designed to skew election results.
Prof. Tibaijuka, who has long been at the forefront of Tanzania’s political and academic arenas, did not mince her words: "Electoral fraud is not just a fear—it’s a reality. We have seen it in various forms, and it will continue unless we take decisive action."
She noted that political candidates and parties must step up their efforts to protect the integrity of the ballot by forming vigilante teams to oversee the entire process, from polling stations to vote tallying.
Her call for heightened vigilance is a clear indication that the upcoming elections are at risk of being compromised.
Having served as a Member of Parliament and a former minister in Tanzania’s government, Tibaijuka has witnessed firsthand the inner workings of the political system.
Her experiences in academia and international organizations, such as her tenure at the United Nations, give her a unique perspective on the global implications of poor governance.
"In my years of experience, both here and internationally, I have seen how flawed elections can erode trust in institutions.
Democracy is fragile, and we must work collectively to protect it," she emphasized.
One of the central pillars of Tibaijuka’s argument is her push for the inclusion of independent candidates in the political landscape.
Currently, Tanzania’s electoral laws only allow candidates who are affiliated with political parties, a limitation that Tibaijuka believes is stifling the growth of true leadership in the country.
"We must allow independent candidates to run for office. It will open the door to a new breed of leaders—those who are dedicated to serving the nation without the baggage of party politics," she argued.
According to her, this reform would ensure that the country has a broader pool of potential leaders, free from the strictures and internal conflicts that often plague political parties.
Tibaijuka’s analysis carries significant implications for the future of Tanzania’s democracy.
By shedding light on electoral malpractices, she is not only calling for immediate solutions but also warning of the long-term consequences if these issues are not addressed.
She noted that political disillusionment is already taking root, and if elections continue to be manipulated, the country risks further alienating its citizens from the political process.
"When people lose faith in elections, they lose faith in democracy itself. This is a dangerous path, and it leads to instability," she cautioned.
Drawing on her extensive experience in international diplomacy, Tibaijuka also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
She argued that Tanzania, like many other African nations, must align itself with global democratic standards to avoid being left behind in the international community.
"We cannot be seen as a nation that tolerates corruption and electoral fraud. Our standing on the global stage depends on how we uphold democratic principles at home," she said.
Her remarks suggest that Tanzania’s democratic health is not only a domestic issue but one that has far-reaching global implications.
Additionally, Tibaijuka urged citizens to be more proactive in defending their rights and ensuring that their votes count.
She called on civil society organizations to play a bigger role in election monitoring and voter education, stating that the responsibility to protect democracy cannot rest solely on the shoulders of politicians.
"Civil society must rise to the occasion. This is not just about the elections; it’s about the future of our country," she said, her voice a powerful reminder of the need for collective action.
The significance of Prof. Tibaijuka’s insights cannot be understated.
With her extensive background in both national politics and international governance, her words carry considerable weight.
As Tanzania approaches its next general election, her warnings about electoral fraud, coupled with her call for reforms such as independent candidacy and stronger civil society involvement, may well shape the discourse on how the country can safeguard its democracy.
Behold, Prof. Tibaijuka’s analysis underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect Tanzania's electoral process.
Her speech not only highlights the challenges that lie ahead but also offers a roadmap for how the nation can navigate these difficulties.
By fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, Tibaijuka believes that Tanzania can strengthen its democracy and ensure a brighter future for all its citizens.