By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania held local elections on November 27, 2024, intendedto strengthen grassroots democracy. Instead, the process was marred by violence and reports of fatalities, raising concerns about political accountability and respect for human rights.
The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) condemned the incidents, calling for immediate action to protect citizens and uphold democratic norms.
During the elections, two deaths were reported, underscoring the risks faced by political candidates and ordinary citizens alike.
In Singida, George Mohamedi, a candidate for ward chairmanship in Manyoni East Constituency, was fatally shot in an incident allegedly involving rival supporters from Chadema and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Police in Singida have since detained two suspects, including a prison officer, while investigations continue. In another case, Modestus Timbisimilwa, a candidate for Ulongoni ‘A’ Ward in Dar es Salaam, was reported to have died under suspicious circumstances.
While some accounts claim he was shot by police, authorities later stated his death was caused by hypertension, dismissing circulating claims as baseless.
Bishop Thadeus Ruwa’ichi, Chair of TEC’s Justice and Peace Commission and Archbishop of Dar es Salaam decried these killings, stressing the sacredness of human life.
Speaking to the media on November 28, 2024, Bishop Ruwa’ichi described the situation as a painful moment for the nation.
He reminded citizens and leaders alike of their moral duty to safeguard life, warning against the normalization of political violence. “We condemn these killings in the strongest terms. Life is a gift from God, and no one has the authority to take it away,” he said.
The bishop also criticized the government’s muted response, calling it a dereliction of duty. He highlighted Article 14 of Tanzania’s Constitution, which guarantees every citizen’s right to life, urging authorities to honor their responsibility to protect lives.
“We are not seeing those entrusted with upholding the law and ensuring public safety taking meaningful steps to condemn or prevent such violence,” Ruwa’ichi remarked.
He warned that indifference to such incidents could foster a culture of impunity, further eroding public trust in democratic processes.
The broader implications of these incidents go beyond the immediate tragedy of lost lives. Religious leaders and scholars argue that violence undermines democracy, deterring citizens from exercising their political rights and weakening trust in state institutions.
Religious institutions, as spaces for reflection and mobilization, have a crucial role in advocating for peace and democratic accountability.
While condemning the violence, Bishop Ruwa’ichi also emphasized that participating in political processes, such as voting or running for office, is a fundamental right and should never be equated with lawlessness.
He called on security forces to act with professionalism and impartiality, ensuring that elections are conducted in an environment free from fear or intimidation.
“We must reject the idea that brutality against politicians or citizens is acceptable. It is an evil that must be eradicated from our society,” he stated.
In contrast, the government portrayed the elections in a largely positive light. Mohammed Mchengerwa, Tanzania’s Minister for Local Government, described the process as a success, with 98% of voting conducted peacefully.
Acknowledging minor challenges in some areas, he commended officials for resolving issues swiftly to ensure citizens could exercise their democratic rights.
Nevertheless, these reassurances ring hollow for those mourning the lives lost and for human rights advocates demanding systemic changes to prevent future violence.
The incidents in Tanzania reflect broader challenges faced by democracies worldwide. The intersection of political competition, civic rights, and security is often fraught, particularly in contexts where state institutions are perceived as weak or partisan.
Religious institutions, with their moral authority and deep community ties, can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges.
They have the potential to promote dialogue, advocate for nonviolence, and hold political actors accountable to higher ethical standards.
At the same time, governments must demonstrate a commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring that democratic processes are free from violence and intimidation. This includes upholding constitutional protections, prosecuting perpetrators of violence, and fostering trust in state institutions.
Religion’s influence on politics, particularly democratization, continues to spark debate. Critics argue that religious doctrines can conflict with democratic principles, while supporters see religion as a source of moral guidance, community cohesion, and support for political engagement.
Scholars like McLean (2019) suggest that religious organizations often foster democratic values through their social work and capacity to mobilize civic participation.
Human Rights Watch (2019) and the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (2018) have also emphasized the critical role of religious institutions in building strong civil societies.
In Tanzania, however, recent events have cast a shadow on the interplay between politics, democracy, and social stability.
The role of religion in politics, as emphasized by McLean (2019) and others, is not merely theoretical. It manifests in the everyday lives of citizens, influencing how they perceive justice, security, and their place within the democratic framework.
The recent events in Tanzania highlight both the potential and the peril of this interplay, underscoring the need for vigilance, advocacy, and accountability to safeguard democracy for all.