Tanzania’s parliament on Tuesday passed amendments to legislation that the government says are meant to enhance the democratic operation of political parties in the East African country.
The amendments “give administrative mandates to the Political Parties Registrar to oversee democracy, rule of law and accountability within the parties.”
Critics say the amendments will limit freedoms in the East African country whose government has in the past faced local and international criticism over alleged denial of human rights.
The government has however denied the allegations, saying the amendments are mainly meant to ensure openness in party affairs.
“The new amendments will see transparency in party internal elections, financial reporting and property registry,” the spokesperson of Tanzania Foreign ministry said
The opposition MPs allege that the amendments will effectively criminalize political activity and turn Tanzania into “a de facto one-party state”, allegations the spokesperson denied.
“His [registrar] powers are not sweeping because first there is a legal guide on what he can and cant do in respect of party governance and finally his decisions, according to Tanzanian laws, are subject to court scrutiny through judicial review, so any aggrieved party can appeal to the court,” he clarified.
Tanzania, a nation of 57 million people, has long been regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. The ruling CCM party, and its predecessor TANU, have governed since independence from Britain in 1961.
The spokesperson in his statement said “Tanzania will continue to enhance its democracy and political governance to remain the peaceful land and most investor friendly country.”
