It is a constitutional right for every Tanzanian to register and vote, but the law does not accommodate means for Tanzanians living and working outside the country to take part in elections. Is the government fair for not doing anything about the situation for Tanzanians abroad who want to vote?

YES. I think the government is right in the sense that providing a mechanism for Tanzanians residing outside the country to vote can be very expensive. Secondly, controlling illegitimate votes could be difficult. Tanzania is a poor country, hence it has to be cautious with the little resources available. Already the burden of running the embassies are too heavy for the government to shoulder, adding other expenses would be too much to bear.
Nasoro Bakari – Extension Officer.

NO. The government is denying the constitutional right to Tanzanians residing in foreign countries. This is something that the government should be blamed for, because it is not the responsibility of voters to look for ways of voting but it is the government’s job. The government approved the Constitution and therefore it should strive to ensure that it is observed. We have embassies in various countries; can’t they make arrangements for polling? Technology is moving forward. I don’t think that the exercise is impossible if information technology is fully utilised.
Mariana Julius – Nursing Assistant.

NO. The government is being very unfair to our brothers and sisters living abroad. I can predict that the main reason or excuse the government would give is poverty. But I won’t agree with that. If the government can spend billions on buying a presidential jet, surely it cannot fail to spend a couple of a few millions to put in place a mechanism that will allow those outside the country to vote. Back here in Tanzania, civic educators stress that missing to vote has a very big impact – every vote counts. One single vote can install or deny a candidate from being elected.
Usuili George – Tutor.

NO. The government is being very unfair to those living abroad for not allowing them to vote. I see no point why election officers cannot be appointed through our embassies abroad so that registration can be done. If other functions are performed through our embassies, why not voting? If the exercise is too expensive for the government, consultations should have been held between the donors who fund elections so that they consider Tanzanians living abroad.
Ebrahim Fadhili – Jeweler.
 

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.