DEMOCRACY stakeholders have underscored the urgent need for an amendment to the country’s constitution to allow independent candidates in the general election late next year.

John Cheyo, a veteran opposition leader, led in the chorus of appeals during a dialogue held to commemorate International Democracy Day, organised by the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

He stated that permitting independent candidates would enhance participation by youthful and women aspirants in leadership roles.

The weekend event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to evaluate the state of democracy in the country and propose recommendations for improvement, with the veteran UDP (United Democratic Party) chairman asserting that one of the main barriers for women and youth is the requirement to join political parties. 

“In these parties, securing a position often requires significant financial resources,” he said, intimating that “elections have become auctions,” in which case allowing for independent candidates would mitigate this difficulty.

This approach would offer an alternative to depending solely on political parties, he said, urging President Samia Suluhu Hassan to revive the process of drafting a new constitution to achieve this objective, or by amendment.

Prof Anna Tibaijuka, a former cabinet minister, said that while the government is reviewing various law provisions to strengthen democracy, it is equally helpful to address barriers impeding various individuals from seeking leadership positions.

“Our constitution mandates that to vie for a position, one must join a political party. This creates a party dictatorship under the guise of democracy. Why shouldn’t independent candidates be allowed?” she demanded in a keynote address.

She urged President Samia to prioritise this reform as a significant step for reform and reconciliation in the governance agenda, acknowledging significant challenges women and youth face in seeking leadership roles.

She all the same encouraged them to persevere, hinting that aspirants often face abuse within political parties as they are only able to run through the parties.

“Our political parties operate with a Soviet-style central committee,” she told the audience, so if a candidate’s name is removed by the central committee, there is nowhere they can turn as independent candidacy is barred.

Management by committees in our parties can compromise individual liberties and freedoms, she stated, while Dr Anna Henga, the LHRC executive director, said that becoming an independent candidate is a right. “Forcing people to join political parties to run for office infringes on their rights.”

Allowing independent candidates will create more opportunities for women and youth and reduce sycophancy in politics, which often occurs when individuals feel the need to please party leaders for nominations, the top activist declared.

Catherine Ruge, the Chadema Women Wing (Bawacha) secretary general insisted that the low participation of women in seeking various positions is tied by lack of enabling legislation and regulations.

Women face additional challenges in electing leaders, she said, demanding that the new constitution consider a more conducive environment for women to vie for various positions without obstacles.

In an afterthought, she remarked that abductions and killings threaten women and youths from participating in seeking leadership roles, while Rehema Omary, the CCM Youth Wing (UVCCM) vice chairperson noted the legal and institutional obstacles that hinder various groups from participating in elections and obtaining leadership positions.

Societal attitudes often undermine trust in women’s leadership capabilities, the mobiliser intoned.