Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

TCD leads national debate on constitutional and legal reforms

After almost two years of preparations, the UNDP's Deepening Democracy in Tanzania Programme (DDTP) has taken off. TCD is the implementing partner of the Good and Accountable Governance component and the political parties’ sub component. In this capacity TCD has led a national debate on constitutional and legal reforms.

Among the activities implemented during the year were a monthly dialogue series where political parties and other stakeholders met in private to discuss topical issues chosen by the political parties. Consultants have been selected in order to make an in-depth review of the Constitution.


Enabling environment for local elections in 2009

In previous elections Tanzania did not have a permanent voters’ register. The usual practice is to register voters during any given election. This lack of a  register is further compounded since Tanzania does not have a national identification card system. TCD organized a conference on this topic, which has helped foster of an enabling environment for the upcoming local elections in 2009.
 

Support for Political Parties

Since parliamentary representation is a prerequisite for financial support, four out of a total of eighteen political parties were eligible to take part in NIMD's party development programme. The qualifying parties were the ruling party CCM and the three opposition parties CUF, Chadema, and UDP.

As the parties are heading for local elections in 2009 and general elections in 2010 they have generally chosen to use the support to prepare themselves for the upcoming elections. The parties have invested in the development of their identity and vision, and have trained their candidates, councillors and party cadres policy and ideology. For all parties, TCD organised a 5-day training course on party identity, media relations, membership registration and financial management.


Women’s empowerment

TCD has continued its agenda of promoting inclusive politics. A report was commissioned on profiling women and youth politicians. It was agreed that these groups need special attention to enhance their chances as candidates for government offices and within political parties.

Currently 33% of parliamentarians are women, mostly occupying seats reserved for them. At a meeting in July the political parties agreed  that Tanzania should aim to reach the SADC target of 50% women representation in elective public offices, that the special seats for women MPs be reconsidered, and that TCD should explore alternative arrangements.