N※N

Show Politics and Government Publications

Tanzania's Parliament Dissolves: A Nation at a Crossroads

What Next as Curtains Officially Close Today for Tanzania’s 12th Parliament

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – As the clock ticks down to the official dissolution of Tanzania’s 12th Parliament today, the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads, reflecting on five years of legislative activity while bracing for the uncertainties of the upcoming general elections. This marks the end of a term that began in November 2020, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office following the untimely death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in March 2021. The closure of this parliamentary session not only signals the conclusion of a chapter filled with policy debates, legislative reforms, and political maneuvering but also sets the stage for a highly anticipated electoral contest that could reshape the country's governance landscape.

The 12th Parliament, comprising 393 members including elected MPs, nominated representatives, and those from special seats, has been a theater of both progress and controversy. Over the past five years, it has overseen the passage of numerous bills aimed at bolstering economic growth, enhancing social services, and addressing national security concerns. Key legislative achievements include the enactment of the Finance Act 2023, which introduced tax reforms to boost revenue collection amid global economic pressures, and amendments to the Mining Act that sought to increase local participation in the extractive industry. Parliament also played a crucial role in approving budgets that prioritized infrastructure development, such as the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway and improvements in rural electrification. These measures were part of a broader agenda to sustain Tanzania's status as one of East Africa's fastest-growing economies, with GDP growth averaging around 6% annually during the term.

However, the session was not without its challenges. Critics have pointed to instances of limited debate on sensitive issues, including human rights concerns and media freedoms, which some argue were curtailed under the previous administration's stringent policies. The parliament's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the early stages under Magufuli, drew international scrutiny for downplaying the virus and relying on traditional remedies rather than vaccines. President Samia's pivot towards a more open approach, including vaccine rollouts and international engagements, was reflected in parliamentary discussions, but not without resistance from hardliners within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

One of the most notable aspects of this parliament has been the increased representation of women, with special seats ensuring that female voices were heard in greater numbers. Figures like Speaker Job Ndugai, who presided over much of the term before stepping down, emphasized the importance of inclusivity. Yet, gender parity remains an ongoing struggle, with calls for more direct electoral participation by women in the forthcoming polls.

As the curtains fall, attention now shifts to what lies ahead. The dissolution paves the way for the general elections scheduled for October 27, 2025, where Tanzanians will vote for a new president, members of parliament, and local councilors. This electoral cycle is particularly significant as it will be President Samia's first full-term bid, having completed Magufuli's unexpired term. Her administration has focused on themes of reconciliation, economic recovery, and regional integration, including strengthening ties within the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union.

Political analysts predict a competitive race, with the ruling CCM facing challenges from opposition parties such as Chadema, ACT-Wazalendo, and the Civic United Front (CUF). Chadema, led by Freeman Mbowe, has been vocal in criticizing what it perceives as electoral irregularities and restrictions on political freedoms. The 2020 elections were marred by allegations of rigging and violence, leading to international condemnations and a boycott by some opposition figures. In response, President Samia has initiated reforms, including the establishment of a task force to review electoral laws and the lifting of bans on political rallies, which had been in place since 2016. These steps are seen as efforts to restore credibility to the democratic process and encourage broader participation.

The post-parliament period will involve a caretaker phase where the executive branch assumes greater responsibility for governance until the new assembly convenes. This interim could last several months, during which President Samia is expected to dissolve the cabinet and appoint a transitional team. Key priorities will include maintaining economic stability, addressing inflation driven by global factors like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and advancing flagship projects such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which promises to alleviate energy shortages.

On the economic front, the end of the 12th Parliament coincides with Tanzania's push towards middle-income status, achieved in 2020. Legislators have debated strategies to diversify the economy beyond agriculture and mining, with emphasis on tourism, manufacturing, and digital innovation. The parliament's finance committee scrutinized budgets that allocated significant funds to education and healthcare, resulting in increased enrollment rates and expanded universal health coverage initiatives. However, persistent issues like youth unemployment, estimated at over 13% for those aged 15-24, remain a flashpoint. Opposition MPs frequently highlighted the need for job creation programs, arguing that economic growth has not trickled down to the grassroots level.

Environmentally, the parliament addressed climate change through bills promoting sustainable agriculture and conservation. Tanzania's vulnerability to droughts and floods was a recurring theme, with debates on adapting to these challenges while protecting biodiversity hotspots like the Serengeti and Zanzibar's coastal ecosystems.

Socially, the term saw advancements in gender equality and child rights, with laws strengthening protections against gender-based violence and child labor. Yet, controversies arose over proposed amendments to marriage laws and the handling of LGBTQ+ rights, which remain taboo in Tanzanian society and were largely avoided in parliamentary discourse to prevent backlash.

Looking ahead, the electoral commission, known as the National Electoral Commission (NEC), is gearing up for voter registration and candidate nominations. With over 30 million eligible voters, the process will test the nation's logistical capabilities, especially in remote areas of mainland Tanzania and the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago. Zanzibar's unique political dynamics, where CUF and ACT-Wazalendo hold significant sway, add another layer of complexity. The 2020 Zanzibar elections were particularly contentious, leading to accusations of vote tampering and subsequent unrest.

International observers, including from the European Union and the African Union, are expected to monitor the polls closely, building on lessons from previous cycles. President Samia's diplomatic outreach, including visits to neighboring countries and participation in global forums, has positioned Tanzania as a stable partner in the region, potentially influencing foreign aid and investment flows post-election.

For ordinary Tanzanians, the closure of parliament evokes mixed emotions. In urban centers like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, there's optimism about potential reforms, while rural communities express concerns over agricultural subsidies and access to markets. Youth groups and civil society organizations are mobilizing for greater involvement, advocating for platforms that address digital divide and entrepreneurship.

In essence, the dissolution of the 12th Parliament is more than a procedural endpoint; it's a moment of national introspection. It underscores the evolution of Tanzania's democracy since the multiparty system was reintroduced in 1992, highlighting both strides in governance and areas needing urgent reform. As campaigns heat up, the focus will be on ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the people. Whatever the outcome, the next parliament will inherit a nation eager for continued progress, stability, and inclusive development. The road ahead promises to be as dynamic as the one just concluded, with the potential to either consolidate CCM's dominance or usher in a new era of political pluralism. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The Citizen Article at:
[ https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/what-next-as-curtains-officially-close-today-for-tanzania-s-12th-parliament-5141514 ]