The government has suspended the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) elections that were scheduled for tomorrow in Dar es Salaam and dissolved the current leadership, following complaints of procedural irregularities that cast doubt on the credibility of the process.
The decision was announced by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, after several candidates were disqualified from the race, prompting accusations of a lack of transparency, fairness and accountability. The developments triggered anxiety among sports stakeholders, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
A statement issued by Acting Head of Government Communication, Hassan Mabuye, said the complaints were directed at the bodies overseeing the elections, which were accused of failing to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
The government maintained that while it respects the autonomy of sports associations as guided by the International Olympic Committee, such independence must be exercised within the principles of good governance, including adherence to the rule of law, transparency and accountability.
In response, the minister appointed an interim committee to run the affairs of the TOC, chaired by Ismail Aden Rage, with Dr Steven Mabagala serving as vice-chairperson and Amina Mfaume as secretary. The committee also includes five additional members tasked with stabilising the organisation ahead of fresh elections.
At the same time, the government has constituted an investigation team comprising the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau, the police and the National Sports Council to examine the allegations and recommend legal action where necessary.
Mr Makonda said the decision was made under his legal mandate provided by the National Sports Council Act, describing it as a temporary intervention aimed at restoring integrity, trust and confidence in the management of sports institutions.
He added that the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan remains committed to strengthening the sports sector and ensuring Tanzania competes effectively at the international level.
The move has, however, sparked mixed reactions within the sports community. While some stakeholders welcomed the decision as a necessary step to uphold accountability, others warned it could be interpreted as interference in the independence of sports bodies, a principle strongly upheld by the International Olympic Committee.
