Tactics and Pathologies of Party Primaries: A Test for Democratic Consolidation in Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Since 1995, political parties in Tanzania have been engaging in electoral processes by fielding candidates for elective posts, mobilizing voters and representing constituencies in decision-making bodies. These processes have obliged political parties to nominate candidates to contest for various seats. The manner in which political parties obtain their candidates varies. In that process, it is only the major parties that conduct competitive intraparty nominations. Using several benchmarks such as membership restrictions, selection methods, ethical conduct, conflict management, support mobilization and voices of ordinary members, this paper reveals several democratic deficits. Some of these include; marginalization of special groups and ordinary members, limited/lack of internal party democracy, presence of dysfunctional party structures, preponderance of unethical practices particularly corruption and lack of effective accountability mechanisms. Primaries in Tanzania are thus far from being an encouraging indicator of democratic consolidation. They are mostly a challenge and a distress to democratic consolidation. Primaries are still far from being platforms for party members and/or public scrutiny and authorization of prospective candidates. Despite popular participation in these primaries, nomination outcomes get determined by political parties’ top leadership. This is the experience for the ruling party and the opposition. Political parties in Tanzania have an obligation of echoing appeals for democratization within their internal structures.