IDU Resolution on Tanzania adopted at IDU Executive Meeting, 13 April 2019

The International Democrat Union (IDU) is concerned about the latest development in Tanzania. On Friday, February 22nd, 2019, the Government of Tanzania gazetted amendments of the Political Parties Act that are inhibitory to most political activities and hence negatively affect the democratic space in the country.

The amendments have given and enhanced more powers to the Registrar of Political Parties to directly interfere with internal party affairs. Political activities have been criminalized with penalties that may amount up to a year in prison contrary to the principles of democracy and good governance.

The amendments follow prohibition of political rallies and threats to deregister any Political Party that will show clear elements of “activism” of which activism is not defined.

Therefore, the IDU:

URGES the government of Tanzania to expand the democratic space in the country, which guarantees freedom of the people.

DEMANDS that all provisions contravening the constitution of Tanzania be repealed to provide adequate democratic space for the people of Tanzania.