By Adonis Byemelwa
In a recent interview with Sauti ya Kiswahili ya Ujerumani, Pius Msekwa, former Speaker of the Tanzanian Parliament, defended the ruling CCM party amid claims of election manipulation in the 2024 local government elections.
While expressing dissatisfaction with CCM's overwhelming 99% victory, Msekwa emphasized that any electoral grievances should be resolved through the courts, urging opposing parties to use legal channels rather than escalate tensions.
His comments came in response to retired Judge Joseph Sinde Warioba’s calls for electoral reforms, which have gained support from opposition parties accusing the government of undermining Tanzania’s democratic process.
In contrast, Msekwa's defense of the electoral system emphasized that election disputes are an inherent part of any democracy.
He suggested that the opposition should take their grievances to the courts, a process that he believes offers a legitimate means of addressing electoral disputes.
His comments, however, have been met with skepticism by critics, who argue that the system itself is compromised and that the opposition's concerns should not be dismissed so easily.
Msekwa, whose political history is deeply intertwined with CCM, dismissed allegations of election malpractice, suggesting that disputes are a natural part of any democratic process.
He emphasized that the law already provides avenues for resolving such grievances, urging opposition parties to utilize the legal channels available rather than escalating the situation.
However, Msekwa’s remarks have not been well received by many in the opposition, who argue that the current political system is deeply flawed and systematically favors the ruling party.
Boniface Jacob, a prominent member of the Chadema party, quickly rebutted Msekwa’s position, accusing the government of manipulating election results and using security forces to intimidate voters and suppress opposition voices. Jacob’s words reflect a widespread sentiment that the electoral process is neither transparent nor fair.
Msekwa’s comments, while grounded in his long-standing allegiance to CCM, also overlooked the significant concerns raised by critics about the independence of the judiciary. This has become a point of contention in Tanzania’s political discourse.
In a video clip that recently went viral, renowned academic and political analyst Professor Chris Peter Maina pointed to troubling signs of judicial compromise, especially in the context of the country’s political climate.
Maina questioned whether Tanzania’s judiciary could truly uphold the rule of law or if it was being influenced by political pressures, particularly from the ruling party.
His comments were echoed by billionaire businessman Rostam Aziz, who, in a rare critique, had initially expressed concerns about the judiciary’s independence.
Nevertheless, after facing significant backlash and public grilling, Aziz recanted his statement, adding to the growing skepticism about the true freedom of the judiciary.
Msekwa’s defense of the system, coupled with his longstanding loyalty to CCM, paints a picture of a man deeply committed to maintaining the status quo, but one whose perspective may be increasingly at odds with the evolving political reality in Tanzania.
His remarks seem to underplay the genuine frustrations voiced by opposition leaders, such as Chadema’s Jacob, who argue that the ruling party has used its influence to weaken democratic institutions.
This issue is particularly pressing as the credibility of Tanzania’s elections is questioned both at home and abroad.
Critics argue that the recent polls have further exposed the vulnerabilities in the electoral system, including claims of voter suppression, the disqualification of opposition candidates, and the unchecked influence of state institutions like the police and judiciary.
Widespread reports of ballot-box tampering and undue interference have made it clear that the nation’s political health is in peril.
Despite Msekwa’s insistence that Tanzania’s electoral framework is adequate, the situation is rapidly evolving, with voices like those of Warioba and political observers growing louder.
Joseph Sinde Warioba, a former Prime Minister and Vice President, has been particularly vocal in highlighting the erosion of democratic values. Warioba, along with other critics, suggests that Tanzania’s political landscape is facing a crisis of legitimacy and warns of the dangers of complacency.
The former Ubungo mayor stressed that the 2024 elections have only deepened the divide between the ruling government and the opposition, with reports of unfair disqualification of candidates and ballot box tampering in various regions.
He also noted that the failure of the electoral commission to act impartially has led to a widespread feeling of disenfranchisement among voters.
The concerns raised by Jacob and other opposition leaders align with the observations made by Joseph Sinde Warioba, a former Vice President, Prime Minister, and Attorney General. Warioba, who has been a key figure in Tanzania’s political landscape for decades, has been outspoken about his concerns over the country's democratic health.
He has long warned that if the government does not address issues related to the electoral process, the country risks slipping into political instability. In a recent statement, Warioba condemned the use of security forces to suppress opposition voices and criticized the electoral commission for its lack of neutrality.
“We are witnessing the erosion of the democratic values that this country was founded upon,” Warioba said, adding that the manipulation of elections and the growing influence of the ruling party in the judiciary and security forces are undermining Tanzania’s political integrity.
His words have resonated with many Tanzanians who feel their voices are being suppressed in favor of maintaining the status quo.
The controversy surrounding the elections has also been fueled by widespread claims of police involvement in political affairs.
Warioba has been particularly vocal on this issue, stressing that the police force should focus on upholding the rule of law and maintaining public safety rather than becoming a tool for political repression.
He warned that the increasing politicization of state institutions could lead to division and potentially violent conflict, a scenario many Tanzanians hope to avoid.
The criticism surrounding Tanzania’s election system is not limited to opposition leaders and political analysts. Ordinary citizens have expressed growing concerns about the direction the country is headed, with some fearing a return to the political unrest that characterized the 1990s.
The current climate has drawn comparisons to the days of Zanzibar’s contested elections in 1995, which led to a violent crisis that threatened the nation’s unity. Warioba, who was involved in mediating that crisis, has frequently referred to his experience, warning that the country must take immediate action to prevent such a situation from reoccurring.
As Tanzania approaches its 2024 local government elections, political tensions are intensifying. Pius Msekwa, a staunch CCM supporter and former Speaker of Parliament, has defended the current electoral system, dismissing opposition claims of fraud as part of a political strategy to undermine the government.
He insists that the country's electoral framework is solid, and disputes are simply the result of the opposition’s failure to accept election outcomes. However, many Tanzanians, including prominent critics like Boniface Jacob of Chadema, disagree. Jacob and others argue that the system is deeply flawed, accusing the government of manipulating results and using security forces to intimidate opposition supporters.
The growing divide between the government and the opposition is causing concern that Tanzania’s democracy is at risk. Calls for reform are becoming louder, with many demanding greater transparency, a more independent judiciary, and a depoliticized police force to ensure fair elections.
Despite some recent reforms, skepticism remains, particularly within the opposition. Chadema has called for the resignation of the electoral commission’s leadership, accusing them of corruption and bias.
Tanzania’s political crisis has sparked protests across the country, with demonstrators demanding free and fair elections. Former Prime Minister Joseph Sinde Warioba and former President Benjamin Mkapa have warned that without meaningful reforms, the country’s democratic values and stability could be severely threatened.
The situation remains fluid, with the government under increasing pressure to address these concerns. The future of Tanzania’s democracy depends on whether leaders can find common ground and restore public confidence in the electoral process. Without meaningful change, the country may face even greater challenges in the years ahead.