Be cautious, shun manipulative politicians - Tanzanians urged

THE Chairman of the Tanzania Constitutional Forum, Mr Deus Kibamba, has called upon citizens to be cautious and shun manipulative politicians as the country prepares for the 2015 general election.

He said this during an interview with the 'Daily News' that the majority of wananchi don't get required civic education in months preceding elections - making them vulnerable to manipulative political campaigns.

"There has been a tendency in previous elections, where politicians make empty promises that are geared towards soliciting votes, but abandon the electorate when elections are over," he said.

According to Mr Kibamba, this situation defeats the actual purpose of candidates selling their manifestos to the electorate because they tend to offer 'gifts' in exchange for votes.

The effect of this is that it reduces the likelihood of getting quality leaders elected into office.

He proposed instead that there should be more investment in civic education even as the 2015 elections are still months away, to enable voters make informed choices when casting their ballots.

He urged bodies that regulate elections, to instill a sense of understanding among wananchi as early as possible by emphasizing on civic education instead of voter education.

"In previous elections, we have seen election regulatory authorities putting more emphasis on voter education at a time closer to the general election," he pointed out, while underscoring the dire need for continuous education before next year.

He further urged all institutions dealing with elections in the country to develop internal sources of funding instead of depending on unreliable donor funds in planning for elections.

"Most often, the role of the institutions dealing with elections and empowerment of voters is compromised by unreliable funding.

This is also to blame for lack of continuous civic education as donor agencies only offer funds during elections," he explained. Recently, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced that it would update the voter register prior to next year's general election and referendum on the new constitution.

In a statement, the commission's Chairman, Judge (retired) Damian Lubuva said that NEC was fully aware of its obligation to update the voter register, saying Tanzanians should not worry as they are well prepared for the task.

"We would like to assure citizens as well as political party leaders that NEC has started preparations on updating the voter register by verifying existing polling stations and adding new ones to ensure proximity.

This process is going on," he said. He also called upon party leaders not to mislead the people on the issue and instead should mobilize them on the need to take part in the referendum on the new constitution and voting in next year's general election.
Source @ Daily News