EMT
Platinum Member
- Jan 13, 2010
- 14,483
- 15,308
At the same time there are still areas where concerns remain, so that a fully-fledged multi-party system can be consolidated. Opposition parties were highly active during the campaign and were able to fully participate in all aspects of the process but there was not an entirely level playing field. The ruling party in Tanzania is by far the largest and best-resourced party and following so many years in power elements of the state structure are synonymous with the party and elements of the legal framework still need to be brought fully into line with the requirements of an inclusive multi-party system
The level of resources at the disposal of the ruling CCM clearly provides it with an advantage for campaigning, and in many areas its campaign was by far the most visible. Further, media monitoring reports indicate that, overall, CCM enjoyed the majority of coverage, due largely to the extent of news coverage as well as paid advertising in the private media. State-owned TBC is reported as providing more balanced coverage, which is to be commended. There were allegations that Mwananchi newspaper faced a threat of de-registration after publishing articles critical of the government, which if true are of concern.
On the more positive side, the Election Expenses Act and Code of Ethics are positive additions to the electoral framework. The creation of election committees, to address and resolve complaints and concerns, is a further positive development. The full implementation of these electoral mechanisms would go a long way reinforce the electoral process. We note that some opposition parties complained about a lack of transparency and responsiveness by NEC, notably in what they felt was the late disclosure and public posting of the final voter registers.