CHAPTER THREE DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE 3.1 Overview 96. Since its inception, the URT alternated between the opening up and shrinking of the space for political pluralism and competitive party and electoral politics, as the country moved from a multi-party state to a one-party state, and then back to the multi-party state. From independence onwards, Tanzania’s political evolution was shaped by the desire to promote political stability and national unity, and meeting the basic necessities of the people within an expanding framework of constitutionalism and the rule of law. 97. Tanzania continues to make appreciable progress in: (i) the peaceful management of conflict, political change and political succession; (ii) the promotion of constitutionalism and the rule of law; (iii) the promotion and protection of human rights; and, (iv) public sector reforms. However, there is still the need for strengthening political pluralism, especially competitive party and electoral politics, and managing the country’s rich diversity. 98. In the area of political pluralism, the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), the Combating and Prevention of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and the Registrar of Political Parties, all need strengthening in view of the limitations and constraints that adversely affect their independence and resource capacities. Beyond strengthening these institutions, more such institutions also need to be established. They would be designed as horizontal institutions of accountability and transparency, to share the burden of democracy-promotion - in the areas of human rights, civic and political education, and public complaints. Indeed, such institutions are increasingly becoming the practice in several African countries, such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. 99. When considering the management of diversity, there is the danger to social stability posed by rising internal conflicts over land in the country. The most common types of land disputes centre around (i) ownership; (ii) trespassing; (iii) benefits of third party land rights; and (iv) land acquisition and compensation. Furthermore, the dynamics of the country’s adoption of a market-driven economy created a number of contradictions, throwing up new opportunities for the privileged few to amass wealth, while deepening poverty for the people as a whole. 100. Attention must be paid to these realities and the contradictions they continue to generate in a timely and appropriately manner. They may otherwise undermine the basic foundations of constitutional democracy and good political governance in Tanzania. 101. It is encouraging in this respect that the constitutional reform process to meet the broad challenges of strengthening political pluralism and diversity management was set in motion in 2011. 102. The constitutional reform process also provides an opportunity to strengthen the structure and the division of powers within the URT. This would address and resolve lingering issues raised by stakeholders during CRM consultations calling for more autonomy for Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. In Mainland Tanzania, stakeholders want more powers to be devolved to the regions; while in Zanzibar, stakeholders demand more autonomy. 103. Tanzania must pursue the on-going constitutional review process in a transparent manner that not only takes into account existing realities but also those likely to emerge. The process must also ensure broad-based popular participation. The reason for this is that the current process, much more so than previous constitutional amendment processes, should be people driven. It should provide opportunities for the people to participate fully and freely, properly informed about the new Tanzania’s constitutional and political architecture and its design principles. 104. Ultimately, rising up to the challenge of democracy and political governance in Tanzania requires the country’s leadership to demonstrate political will that takes advantage of the constitutional review process and addresses 41