Oversight Functions of the National Assembly and Good Governance in Tanzania: a Missing Link?

Abstract

Abstract Oversight is considered a part of good governance. While good governance aims to minimise corruption, consider people’s opinions, listen to the voices of the oppressed in the decision-making process, and respond actively to the community’s needs, oversight maintains a watchful eye on an individual and the process. Oversight institutions monitor and review actions of government organs. With the use of key informed interviews with members of parliament, chairpersons of various oversight committees, chairpersons of parliamentary groups or caucuses, experts, selected civil society Organisations (CSOs), and the general public, this paper aimed at explaining the extent to which the Tanzania’s National Assembly effectively oversees the executive organ of the government. It notes that despite its impressive performance as a representative body since the introduction of multiparty democracy in 1992, the parliament is under one-party dominance and a powerful executive, making oversight functions relatively ineffective. The findings further show that the Parliament is under-resourced and is male-dominated. This paper suggests parliamentary support mechanisms to strengthening institutional and operational independence vis-à-vis the executive; and effectively engage the civil society, experts and the public in the work of the National Assembly.