The mode of transition to democracy and its impact on multiparty politics in Tanzania

This study examines the impact of the mode of transition on multiparty politics and on the general democratization process in the Tanzania since 1992. The study aimed at unraveling the puzzle which has been associated with the development of multiparty politics in the country whereby the growing pattern of support to “multi-partism” is being responded to by deteriorating performance and support of “new political parties. The study was premised on two hypotheses. The first was that the actual mode of transition to democracy affects its subsequent sustainability and achievements. The second was that the inherent weaknesses within political parties have negatively affected the democratization process. The study findings and analysis essentially confirm the two hypotheses of the study. Whereas it is revealed that the mode that was adopted for political change has severe negative impacts on both the operation and performance of new political parties and on the sustainability of multiparty politics in the country. The study further concludes that internal weaknesses of new political parties, which are partly the product of the nature and character of the mode of transition itself and the character of the previous regime, have undermined the essence of political pluralism and democracy by creating unfertile “soil” for the growth of vibrant and effective opposition parties. The ray of hope promised to the masses at the inception of multiparty politics has turned to disillusionment. Every one wonders what has really happened to this political change. It is on the basis of the entire findings and analysis of the study that some recommendations are put forward. As part of the efforts towards establishing a sustainable and promising multiparty democracy, the study recommends the following: a review of the mode of transition, proper theoretical formulation, and integrative and inclusive solutions to problems facing new political parties in relation to the mode of transition.