Twelve of Tanzania's 18 registered political parties signed a code of conduct on Wednesday which lays out rules for the country’s general elections in October.
For example, when the election campaign starts on 21 August, candidates will be obliged to campaign in the national language of Swahili, rather than in other local languages or English.
The five-page document, which is written in Swahili, calls itself "an agreement between political parties, the government and the National Electoral Commission (NEC)".
According to one rule, "The government-owned media, both print and electronic, must provide fair coverage to all political parties throughout the campaigning period".
This requires that all valid candidates should get equal air time in public media for campaigning. Other requirements are that authorities should not interfere with NEC-scheduled rallies; NEC should not change the campaigning timetable without full consultation; religious leaders should not engage in campaigns; politicians should not use places of worship as campaign venues; and security organs should not use excessive force in maintaining order.
Six parties failed to sign the code of conduct.
"NEC is a weak institution that cannot check violations of the country's constitution nor can it regulate the ruling party," Polisya Mwaiseja, the secretary-general of the National Convention for Construction and Reform, told IRIN.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
Hundreds of thousands of readers trust The New Humanitarian each month for quality journalism that contributes to more effective, accountable, and inclusive ways to improve the lives of people affected by crises.
Our award-winning stories inform policymakers and humanitarians, demand accountability and transparency from those meant to help people in need, and provide a platform for conversation and discussion with and among affected and marginalised people.
We’re able to continue doing this thanks to the support of our donors and readers like you who believe in the power of independent journalism. These contributions help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Show your support as we build the future of news media by becoming a member of The New Humanitarian.
