Tanzania’s opposition party, Chadema skipped a three-day political parties conference in Dar es Salaam that ended on Wednesday, September 13.
The decision of Chadema to skip such a conference left political analysts in the country wondering, since it was not the first time for the party to avoid similar events.
Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika defended the party’s decision, saying that it had done a lot to promote national unity and reconciliation.
President Samia Suluhu inaugurated that political parties’ council on Monday, September 11, as part of her Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuild (4Rs) agenda.
The event was organized by the registrar of political parties with the aim of addressing issues affecting political parties in the country.
Leaders of Political parties and religious organizations used the event to come up with mechanisms that can strengthen democracy, by suggesting rules governing political activities in the country.
Similarly, Chadema skipped the Dodoma conference on the state of multiparty democracy in Tanzania which occurred between 15th to 17th December 2021.
Some political experts maintained that Chadema being the major opposition party in the country, it’s opinion was highly needed in such forums.
This is because the party has a huge following in the country.
Other political scientists in the country noted that the party had the freedom to choose which event to participate and there was no need to raise alarm.
“By boycotting, they are not only denying themselves the opportunity to air their party views but also denying Tanzanians who are eager to know their party stands on issues being discussed,” said Abdul Mluya, the Democratic Party secretary general.
Ismael Jussa, a member of ACT Wazalendo Central Committee noted that boycotting such dialogues reduces alternative voices.
“Boycotting is one of the political tools, but you need to assess the issue being boycotted for,” Ismail said.
At the same time, ACT Wazalendo party leader Zitto Kabwe maintained that dialogue was the main route to admired reforms in any nation.
“I believe in political engagements, for a country like ours, dialogue is the bridge to reforms and our party will pursue that route,” said Kabwe.
