By Our Correspondent.
Retired Chairperson of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, Bahame Tom Nyanduga, has said Tanzania needs to first address challenges related to killings, disappearances and shortcomings in the electoral system before heading into future elections.
Nyanduga made the remarks yesterday during a meeting held to commemorate International Day of Democracy, saying the occasion provided an opportunity to assess the state of democracy in Tanzania, particularly events surrounding the October 29, 2025 General Election and the days that followed.
He said the killings reported during that period had left wounds that had yet to heal, stressing that Tanzania could not enter another election without thoroughly reflecting on what happened and taking measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“When we say Tanzania’s democracy should be genuine and sustainable, these problems must be brought to an end,” he said.
According to Nyanduga, the process should begin by establishing what happened, acknowledging the reality of the challenges and identifying those responsible through credible investigations involving various stakeholders.
He also called for strengthening the electoral system and accountability mechanisms, saying that although these issues are provided for under the Constitution and laws, there are still gaps in their implementation.
Meanwhile, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Executive Director Anna Henga said democracy goes beyond elections and includes the rule of law, freedom of expression, human rights, access to information and media freedom.
She said citizens should understand that the freedom to access information and express themselves is an important part of democracy, adding that every day should provide an opportunity to protect and exercise those freedoms in accordance with the law.
Henga said Tanzania’s democratic environment still faces a number of challenges, including cases involving people who have lost relatives, others whose whereabouts remain unknown and some who are in prison over politically related matters.
She said the challenges are also reflected in the implementation of laws, media freedom and freedom of expression, alleging that some people have been arrested over opinions expressed on social media.
“The situation is still not very good. That is why we have organised this forum—to discuss together, see where we are coming from and where we are going,” she said.
Henga called for continued dialogue and urged the Government to consider the African Charter on democratic rights, while also stressing the importance of continuing discussions on a new Constitution.
She said a new Constitution could not solve every problem, but could help create avenues for addressing a significant number of the challenges facing the country.
Speaking at the same event, Shura of Imams Secretary Sheikh Ponda Issa Ponda said such forums were important for reflecting on the state of the country and finding ways to address the difficult political and security environment.
He said democracy affects citizens’ lives broadly and is not limited to political issues, noting that discussions on the Constitution had revealed different views within society.
Ponda said one group wants the previously initiated constitutional reform process to continue, mentioning Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo among those supporting that position.
He said another group believes amendments to the existing Constitution could currently be sufficient, while a third group has emerged advocating for an interim Constitution before a new Constitution is eventually adopted.
On reconciliation, Ponda said the process could not be separated from the pain experienced by citizens and their families, noting that some people had been killed while others had disappeared, leaving their families to continue carrying the pain.
He cited an incident on October 16, 2017, at a mosque in Hijra, alleging that people dressed similarly to members of the Police Force entered the mosque and took away four people who were attending a mosque committee meeting.
He said the whereabouts of those people remain unknown, stressing that such cases should be taken into account in any reconciliation process.
“When you think about bringing humanity, togetherness and solidarity, issues like these must all be taken into consideration, resolved and given solutions,” he said.
Ponda said the forums bring together representatives from different groups, including religious leaders, to present their views and ultimately seek a national consensus.
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