Last week, three NGOs filed an application seeking permission to challenge the constitutionality of an electoral law that authorized hospitality and traditional treatment (takrima). Given that the general elections are at corner, do you think this move is fair?

YES. I think these NGOs made a timely move to seek permission of challenging that law. The law is in fact just bribery put in another way. Allowing takrima is indirectly giving chances to those contesting in various posts to practise corruption. It is rather ridiculous to allow a person to entertain would-be voters expecting that they would not reciprocate through the ballot box. The law is very undemocratic and can greatly interfere with the rights of the voters.
Jane A. Clement – Veterinary Officer.

YES. The law needed to have been challenged long after its enactment but may be those that are favoured by it were using cunning ways of making sure that it prevailed. In the first place, I fail to understand why such a law got support in parliament. As a matter of fact, MPs supported this law may be because they saw a bright future with the law. We are talking about hospitality, entertainment (takrima) for those who have money, what about those who do not have the money to give takrima?
Patrick Malewa - Clergyman.

YES. I fully support the efforts of the three NGOs who have come forward to challenge takrima. They have truly showed us how patriotic they are and that they are democratically mature. To any person who hates bribery/corruption, takrima is just bribery legalized. The law condones corruption in the form of hospitality and traditional treatment hence would affect conduct of free and fair elections in the country.
Adam Sultan – Student.

YES. Takrima to be on the ‘dock’ is quite fair and the action has come timely to make the coming general elections free and fair. Since the enactment and practice of the Act in 2000, a number of studies carried out have indicated that takrima infringes the right of citizens to participate in governance which includes the right to vote and be voted in a fair and free election. Only those economically capable can practise takrima which influences voters. Worse still the law does not disclose the parameters of takrima.
Zakaria Mkimbu - Civic Educator.

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.