The role of Government in the democratic process

The role of the government in the democratic process in Tanzania

The government plays an important role in the democratic process. In collaboration with other stakeholders, it provides civic education, ensures the freedom of information and the press, creates a conducive environment for people to exercise the freedom of association, and has put in place a supportive institutional and legal system.

1. Provision of civic education: Civic education has been recognised as an essential strategy for developing citizens' civic competence. Before the reintroduction of the multiparty system, civic education used to be provided by adults. The youth in schools and colleges learnt about the ruling party's ideology. It was called political education including long-term socialist objectives. This education was also provided in popular economic and social development campaigns with slogans such as Ujamaa Vijijini, Mtu ni Afya and Siasa ni Kilimo through radio programmes and village meetings. It was also through books and newspapers belonging to the government and the ruling party such as Uhuru, Mzalendo, Mfanyakazi, Sunday News and the Daily News.

2. Freedom of the press: The Government of Tanzania guarantees the freedom of the press. This is critical mainly because the media play an important role, especially in issues of accountability, responsiveness, and transparency, which are critical elements of a democratic government. For instance, during elections, the media link political parties with their candidates and voters. The media play this role by informing the public and voters about the policies that every political party promotes. Thus, the media need a deeper understanding of the policies so that they can help voters make informed decisions. However, while playing this role, the media are supposed to be neutral and objective in their analysis of the electoral process received. Secondly, the media serve as a channel through which voter information and correct information about in the electoral process. For example, information about when and where to register as voters, when the election is to be held and what to do or not to do on Election Day is provided through media.

3. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs): Another area that shows that, a political system is democratic is the right to form and join civic organisations such as CSOs, and NGOs. In Tanzania, CSOs function freely. It is observed that, a strong and active civil society is the foundation on which the four pillars of governance, namely transparency, accountability, participation, and the rule of law.

4. Clients' Service Charter: As part of Tanzania's public sector reforms, the government has introduced 'Clients' Service Charter.' All ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are supposed to have a clients' service charter. These charters are published and include the mission, vision, core values, standards, and complaint procedures. Among the core principles in these charters is the commitment to being open and ready to provide information. If clearly articulated and published, the charters could be an excellent source of information for a citizens and that could help them to know their rights and duties in public service provision.

A supportive institutional and legal framework

The government has an extensive legal system for providing civic education to citizens so that they can participate fully in democratic activities such as elections.

With regard to elections, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) organises and supervises them. It is not supposed to be interfered with in any way by any person, government institution, or political party. Its duties are to:

1. Supervise and coordinate the registration of voters;
2. Supervise and coordinate the conduct of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections;
3. Demarcate the United Republic into constituencies for the purpose of holding Parliamentary elections. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania empowers the NEC to review the delimitation of constituencies at least once every ten years;
4. Supervise and coordinate the registration of voters and conduct the elections of local councillors in mainland Tanzania; and
5. Provide voter education. The National Elections Act, 2015, states that: "the Commission shall be responsible for providing voters education throughout the country and shall coordinate and supervise the persons who provide such education."

Abuse of power in a democratic society

Abuse of power means using the power associated with the position one is holding contrary to the interests of the community or society. In democratic society, power abuse can cause political unrest. This may happen when the government misuses its position and takes unfair advantage over individuals and organisations or when a leader acts in a manner that manipulates an area of control for personal gain at the expense of followers. It may involve abusing interpersonal power, abusing political power, abusing professional power, and abuse of social power, among others.

Form of abuse of power

Abuse of power can take place in various forms including the following:

1. Physical abuse: This is the form of abuse that involves physically restraining individuals against their will. It can include punching, hitting, slapping, kicking and strangling. It can also include invading someone's physical space;

2. Sexual abuse: Is a form of abuse which involves engaging in sexual acts with woman or a man without his or her consent. Can also be in non-physical form through insulting a person based on his or her sex;

3. Verbal/emotional abuse: This entails using words like weapons. The effects of emotional abuse are harder to see and harder to prove. As such, emotional scars can often take longer to heal;

4. Mental/psychological abuse: Mental or psychological abuse happens when a sense of action or words wears away at the other sense of mental wellbeing and health; It often involves making the victim doubt their own sanity;

5. Financial/economic abuse: Because abuse is about power and control, an abuser will use any means to maintain power and control. This includes controlling all the budget in the household or organisation, and not letting others have access or information about it. One can misuse finances; and

6. Cultural/identity abuse: Cultural abuse happens when the abuser uses aspects of a victim's particular cultural identity to inflict suffering in him or to control him.

Effects of abuse of power in a democratic society

1. Personal effects: Abuse of power creates a stressful working environment, which affects individuals physically and psychologically. This situation lowers the morale of workers and causes stress-related illness, high turnover, and frequent absenteeism;

2. Social effects: In a society, the effects of abuse of power include human rights violation, poor provision of social services by government organisations, an increase in social evils, rebellion behaviour, and the emergence of classes;

3. Economic effects: Abuse of power affects the standard of living, causes underdevelopment, damages reputation of an organisation, and lowers productivity;

4. Political effects: It causes maladministration on the part of government leaders. The major political effects of power abuse are anarchy, rebellion, coups, underdevelopment crises, political turmoil, assassinations or even breakup of the state. Political instability is linked to governments' abuse of power. Somalia and Afghanistan are case in point. Given the enormous consequences of abuse of power, leaders are advised to avoid it.

Possible measures to prevent abuse of power in a democratic society

1. Accountability and transparency
2. Separation of powers
3. Adhering to the principle of the rule of law
4. Protecting and guaranteeing the bill of rights
5. Publicity
6. Allowing CSOs to operate
7. Introduction of multiparty politics