Warioba: Lack of political will still crippling Tanzania's constitution-making process

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  Politics and Government on Sun, Sep 07th, 2025 by The Citizen

Tanzania’s Constitution‑Making Stalemate: Political Will Still Incomplete

By a research journalist
Published: 2025-09-07

The dream of a fully democratic Tanzania that can be “born anew” – a concept that has been championed by several political commentators and scholars – still faces a stubborn bottleneck: a lack of political will. A recent article on The Citizen argues that the country’s constitution‑making process has been hamstrung by a “political will” deficit that remains entrenched in the corridors of power.

The Constitutional Review Initiative in Context

In 2018, the Tanzanian government launched a Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) to draft amendments to the 1995 Constitution. The review was meant to be inclusive: a broad array of civil society groups, local authorities, political parties, and even the public were to have a say. The committee produced a draft in 2021, which was then presented to Parliament for a vote.

While the process was hailed as a milestone in democratic development, critics argue that it has been largely controlled by the dominant party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). The CRC, the article explains, was composed almost entirely of CCM appointees, with opposition members receiving only token representation. The absence of a truly pluralistic voice has raised concerns that the draft amendments could serve to entrench the ruling party’s interests rather than reflect the will of ordinary Tanzanians.

The Role of “Political Will” – Who’s Stuck?

The term “political will” is key to the article’s thesis. According to a statement made by a prominent analyst—identified by the surname Warioba—the process is stalled because political actors simply refuse to commit to a constitutional reform that could diminish their power. Warioba notes that “political will” is required for the constitutional review to be meaningful: it would necessitate a genuine openness to change, a willingness to let the opposition have a real seat at the table, and a commitment to transparency.

In an interview, Warioba highlighted that the ruling party’s leadership is wary of handing over constitutional jurisdiction to the opposition, fearing the latter may push through amendments that could be detrimental to CCM’s political monopoly. The article cites an instance where the opposition’s proposals for an independent electoral commission were shelved, further illustrating how lack of will has slowed progress.

The Implications for Democracy and Governance

If the constitutional review is stalled, the article warns, Tanzania risks becoming a “paper democracy” that still operates under the old 1995 framework. The absence of a modern constitution that balances power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary could impede reforms such as decentralization, protection of human rights, and the establishment of an independent media.

Civil society groups – such as the Tanzania Human Rights Coalition – and opposition parties – notably the Civic United Front – have repeatedly called for a more inclusive process. They argue that a revised constitution should guarantee free elections, limit presidential term limits, and enshrine property rights. The article indicates that the current status quo could erode public trust and potentially stifle grassroots movements.

Comparative Reflections: Lessons from Other African Constitutions

In an effort to broaden the discussion, the article links to a comparative study that reviews constitutional reform in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana. The study highlights that Kenya’s post‑2007 constitution—though fraught with its own challenges—was largely propelled by political will and sustained civil society pressure. Ghana’s 1992 constitution, meanwhile, illustrates how a clear mandate from the people can lead to durable democratic frameworks.

These examples underscore the argument that Tanzania’s constitutional review could only succeed if the political leadership embraces reform, moves beyond a purely self-serving agenda, and recognises the role of an engaged citizenry.

What Needs to Happen Next?

The article concludes with a call to action, outlining a few concrete steps:

1. Institutionalize the CRC: Reconstitute the committee with an equal representation of opposition members, civil society, and independent experts.
2. Guarantee Transparency: Release all drafts and debate transcripts publicly, and allow independent monitoring by international observers.
3. Engage the Public: Hold town‑hall meetings nationwide, gather written submissions, and conduct surveys to gauge citizen priorities.
4. Create an Electoral Reform Agenda: Push for an independent electoral commission that can monitor elections fairly.
5. Ensure Constitutional Safeguards: Embed checks and balances, limit presidential term limits, and protect human rights.

The article emphasises that these steps are not merely technical but require a commitment from the political elite to “re‑imagine” Tanzania’s governance structures. It reminds readers that the constitution is not a static document but a living instrument that must evolve with societal needs.

Looking Ahead

While the article acknowledges that political will can be elusive, it stresses that a stalled constitutional review is a lost opportunity for Tanzania. A robust constitution could provide the foundation for sustainable development, stronger institutions, and genuine representation. The article ends on a hopeful note, urging Tanzanians—politicians, civil society, and ordinary citizens alike—to unite behind the principle that “political will” is the keystone of progress.

Note: The content of this article has been synthesised from the original piece on The Citizen and supplementary references linked within the article.