The multi-party elections in Tanzania on 31 October 2010 will be the fourth of such in the country since the introduction of multiparty politics in 1995. This election, however, represents an important landmark in the consolidation of democratic gains in the country since it will put a number of recent reform initiatives to test. These initiatives include the enactment of the Elections Expense Act (which aims at regulating election financing in the country); an increase in the number of special seats for women; and a forthcoming Zanzibar government of national unity. Given the tense atmosphere, which sometimes characterises elections in some countries on the continent, the polls will also be a litmus test for the country’s international reputation as a bastion of peace in the East African region.

The seminar seeks to bring together diplomats, academics, researchers, politicians and members of the civil society to deliberate on the pre-electoral climate in the country within the context of early warning. It aims at providing a forum for frank and informed discussions about the pre-electoral climate including issues such as the democratic space, state of political parties in the country, security situation, and state of the union, amongst others. It will conclude by offering suggestions on prospects for peaceful and credible elections as well as insights into the country’s post-electoral outlook.

Please note that discussions occur under the ISS Rule, which means no attribution without specific permission.

This seminar is made possible by funding from the Hanns Seidel Foundation.