Are we in a polarized kind of politics? Why criticize Hon Bashe for his fight for democratic values?

My opinions in regard to the reaction of members from opposition over Hon Bashe’s intention to submit a private motion in the parliament on the current state of affairs in Tanzania.

For my fellow Engineers and Scientists allow me to stray a bit off the scientific definition of the word polarization. Some terminologies mean something different depending on the vantage point you anchor your perspective from. In this case I am looking at our kind of politics.

Borrowing from Wikipedia polarization in politics refers to the divergence of political attitude to ideological extremes. Polarization can refer to such divergence like public opinion or even to such divergence within certain groups.

Wikipedia further says, “Polarization involves creating division or causing a group or something to be divided up into two opposing groups. An example of polarization is when a controversial political figure causes the country to become sharply divided.”

My quick evaluation tells me that our politics currently is more polarized than at any other time since we assumed plural politics. Nothing matters any more than defining ourselves on the bases of political camps. What you say to me doesn’t make more sense than the political camp you belong. This is the dead end of politics, and it is a dangerous state!

Few days ago I picked from social media that Hon Hussein Bashe have written a letter to the parliament expressing his intention to submit a motion that will require the parliament to form a special committee to probe into recent events of violation of human rights, denial of political space to political parties and the narrowed freedom of expression (my own translation – not exactly as presented by Hon Bashe).

Many have expressed different views to Bashe’s move. It was astounding to read especially from colleagues of opposition that Bashe is hypocritical.
A hypocrite is a person who pretends what s/he isn’t. Normally a hypocrite presents herself as a person of certain high caliber or standard while actually she is not. Those of us opposing Bashe would applaud if this letter (with the same contents and materiality) was written by an MP from opposition! Many agree from all works life including us from CCM that the situation in our country in regard to the issues presented by Hon Bashe isn’t good, “Things are no longer at ease”.
We somehow also agree that we need to arrest the situation pretty quickly.

This being the case why then antagonize Bashe just on the bases of of his political following? Why can’t we evaluate his motion purely on merits, i.e why can’t we evaluate Bashe’s intention on the bases of the reality on the concerns we have on political space, freedom of expression, and the blatant violation of human rights?

Irrespective of our political polarities why can’t we see and appreciate the courage demonstrated by Hussein Bashe of coming out distinctly from the mainstream of our party to tell it like it is?

I can’t fathom a befitting theory than to say our kind of politics have entered into a polarization state. A stage where what matters is someone’s political following and not the ideals s/he stands for. We don’t even care about the sacrifice Bashe has made by coming out in contravention of our political party mainstream.

Finally woe unto those fomenting polarization into our politics. They think they are doing a service to our country while they at the epicenter of destroying our country similar to those few we are concerned with.

Mbarikiwe sana
Na Mwenyezi Mungu awatie nguvu wote mnaomlilia kwa ajili ya ustawi wa nchi yetu.

A supreme Court in Kenya rules in favour of NASA on their request to review the electoral system: anything Tanzania can learn from Kenya’s Constitution?

Source: A supreme Court in Kenya rules in favour of NASA on their request to review the electoral system: anything Tanzania can learn from Kenya’s Constitution?

A supreme Court in Kenya rules in favour of NASA on their request to review the electoral system: anything Tanzania can learn from Kenya’s Constitution?

NASA is now granted review of the electoral system by the Supreme Court and the report shall be presented on Tuesday.

Despite the results of the review the Supreme Court has done justice. There is any harm to either side rights if the system is checked. It will help to prove the integrity of the system especially if there is no significant discrepancy between the inputs and the outputs. Both Raila and Uhuru shall have no recourse to resort to violent means to protect their  assumptions. Kila mtu ataridhika!

This isn’t 100% perfect but allowing presidential election results to be challenged is a breather to the democratic process. It allows no excuse to any of the parties to engage its supporters in streets hence preserving peace and order post election.

Kenya has its challenges but her Constitution remains the best in East Africa if not in Africa. Tanzania is still in the process of writing a new Constitution I believe that somewhere we gonna come to our senses and produce the best Constitution for us and generations to come. Let’s make the process apolitical and focused to the National interest only, not interest of the parties or individuals at worst.

This is a tricky process it will require a leader who is eager to leave a lasting legacy of justice, fairness and a strong Republic behind. Not someone who is shortsighted and mindful of his/her personal short term goals or party interests but rather on overall national interest beyond partisanship.

President Magufuli has the mettle and energy to take this task on if he decides and I earnestly pray he does! I am so proud at least we had Nyerere who saw what the rest could not see in the 20% of the population who preferred political pluralism. So it is possible, it can be done! Let’s continue pushing for a new Constitution.

Mungu ibariki Tanzania

Mungu ibariki Africa

Congratulations to South Africa for a big step among our young democracies in Africa

Yesterday the Parliament of South Africa concluded President Zuma’s impeachment proceedings by vote to relieve him from power. The results of the vote of no confidence was 198 in favour of the president and 177 against. Looking at the numbers of MPs in the house that means 30 MPs from ANC voted with the opposition, that isn’t a small matter in politics. ANC cannot go wild in celebrations. This is a great achievement for opposition.

Overall ANC has weighed up the pros and cons of removing Zuma prematurely and found it will possibly work against the part in the near future. All in all democracy is working and institutions of governance are independent and doing better comparatively. Zuma was prosecuted in court of law and found guilty of corruption and misappropriation of public resources and was forced to pay. The Parliament has impeached him. I thought this is a step ahead in our young democracies in Africa.

Irrespective of results, congratulations to South Africa and wish them well as they continue to fathom how to address their socioeconomic challenges and the biting inequality among her people. Congratulations to DA under Hon Mmusi Maimane for mobilizing support across part lines. Mr Maimane in my view carries the expectations of many South Africans and he presents the best alternative policies for his country. Mr. Malema of EF has failed to wedge any significant damage to ANC and many South Africans are apprehensive of a Zimbabwean case should a country take a similar stance in addressing the inequality challenges.

The greatest stimulus of mankind is freedom

Source: The greatest stimulus of mankind is freedom