TCF chairman of the commission, Deus Kibamba
TCF chairman of the commission Deus Kibamba, giving analysis on the South Africa and Malawi recent elections, said some flaws during the Malawi elections were due to inadequate preparation which can be avoided
Speaking in Dares Salaam, Kibamba urged NEC to begin elections preparations one year in advance, instead of six months, as is the practice at present, also suggesting polling day should be in the middle of the week and announce the day a holiday.
He said the changes would increase many more people to show up for voting instead of the current practice of holding elections on Sunday.
He said they have learnt from South Africa and Malawi experience that many people voted because their respective electoral commissions set aside a special day for that purpose.
Kibamba added that the big voters’ reaction in the two countries resulted from long durations of voter education and proposed that Tanzania should provide special subsidies in favour of independent media, specifically for public voter education.
At the same time politicians should encourage people to register in the electoral book to bring about a positive impact to the election, he said.
However, Kibamba said from his experience as election observer politicians who misuse the law for their personal interests as happened in Malawi should be rebuked.
The forum advised Tanzania government reform NEC and Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) to make them independent and fair during elections.
He called on the court in the country to learn from Malawai by avoiding being biased during election and that NEC should conduct duties as an independent commission.
It should emulate the Independent Election Commission of South Africa (IEC), which all citizens acceptable because acts independently.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
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