Dar Es Salaam — IF you talked to many people in the country today and asked them why they are not involved in politics, the most likely answer you will get, is that 'it is a dirty game', but how dirty this game is, many can't tell.

Perhaps what they fail to understand is that this 'game' is a lucrative business that has made even the most accomplished scholars to abandon their careers and join the bandwagon. Among the disillusioned groups that feel they have been left aside are the youth, mainly aged between 18 and 35.

It is even strange that the section of the youth, especially the educated ones are not interested at all. One would expect this group to actively or at least indirectly encourage the political participation of youth in political discourses but it is the opposite.

This situation encouraged me to conduct a simple survey to find out the reasons behind. Amazingly, people speak a lot informally and you will realize that they are very much informed on so many things.

But once you tell them you will be putting those views in a newspaper as a way of sharing with others, everybody shies away. They become reluctant even to mention their names. The level of fear among many youth when it comes to discussing politics is very alarming.

There is no doubt that their involvement in the politics of the country not only gives them a chance to explore their leadership abilities but also in shaping the future of the country. Then why are they not involved in political discourses?

"Favouritism and hypocrisy hinder some of us in participating fully in politics," says Anna (not her real name), a law student at the Ruaha University College in Iringa region. I will give you a small example; I'm among the members of the youth wing of the ruling party at our college.

"When others were converging in Dodoma few weeks ago for the party's grand meeting, we're supposed to go there but to our amazement some of those who went were not even involved in anything that has to do with the party".

According to her, many follow the privileges that accrue from the involvement in the processes such as money but not because they have the interest of the party or the country at heart.

"This kills the morale of those who wish to truly participate in politics", she tells.

"We are promised jobs and other benefits by the leaders of political parties who openly or secretively come to the region and convene meetings with us. They know our potentiality but in the end everything is not what it seems," adds another student from the same university.

"It is not fair for them to use us as stepping stones to reach their goals," she adds.

A good example is the use of various artists in political campaigns around the country. Those who participate get some money, yes, but there are major problems facing their industry, that has never been solved ever since.

Artists always come into loggerheads with promoters and managers on the issues of copyright and piracy of their works. No one would deny the fact that most of the faces that are seen in the political arena are there since attainment of independence.

"As in other African countries, the young majority in Tanzania has found itself in a situation of subordination vis-à-vis the political establishment which predominantly consists of members of the elder generation. Widespread lack of opportunities for political participation of the younger generation has characterised the post-colonial period," reads a paragraph in Birgit Englert's study titled Ambiguous Relationships: Youth, Popular Music and Politics in Contemporary Tanzania, to cement the argument. For many years, youth have been said to be 'taifa la kesho' (tomorrow's nation) and this to a large extent has been viewed by youth as a way of sidelining them from active politics.

"I think that phrase should be re-written, youth are today's nation... children of tomorrow's nation.... especially now when there is so much youth awareness on the subject of politics and also their involvement. All these should be taken into consideration when those who are less enlightened try to push youth aside," argues Ms Neema Shayo, graduate student in Development Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam.

Interestingly, Baraka Bitariho, a Tanzanian national in the US, has his own interpretation of that phrase; he says: "The term "Taifa la Kesho" should not be construed as stay away from the political process of our nation. I think the term is mostly misunderstood by most fellow countrymen".

"Personally, the term motivates me to use my energy effectively in bettering our nation. My energy could be used to build my nation by voting, running for political/official positions or by pursuing other avenues of my interests if politics does not interest me and no one should discourage me from pursuing whatever venue I like - not even the most experienced politicians," he explains.

He says youth could use their vision, talents, energy, and knowledge to shape the country into a nation that welcomes everyone.

"We could use these skills by participating in the political process, vying for offices of our interest despite of attempts of self-centred and possibly uneducated politicians that portray our youthfulness, innocence, and lack of experience as weakness in the political arena."

He as well as Ms Shayo, urge Vijana not to give up in pursuing their dreams/goals because the power to change anything in the country is within themselves. They also are of the view that we should not depend on wazee (elders) or experienced politicians, government officers or foreigners on bringing a positive change.

"We - vijana, are capable of bringing changes that will improve lives of all Tanzanians. The power to clean our country and make it a better nation on earth is within us," stresses Mr Bitariho.

Speaking of politics being lucrative, that is an undeniable fact and examples could be drawn from within and even neighbouring countries. Some sources estimate an annual income of the MP to about US dollars 70,000 (over 80m/-) and in neighbouring Kenya, its MP's are some of the highest paid in the world.

Critics say there is so much money involved in politics that's why hypocrisy and witchcraft are common features. It is the reason why some people fight tooth and nail to make sure they cling to their positions.

Analysts in the youth circle believe that politicians that tarnish Tanzanian political spheres are those who have turned the Bunge or elected positions into career positions.

"I have heard some politicians in rural areas tell their constituents that they are given their positions by God and anyone who attempts to vie against their seat 'atakiona' (will see!)," tells Mr Bitariho, adding that the government should filter/weed-out such politicians as they undermine citizenship of their fellow Tanzanians.

"This is constitutional right, so long as one is a citizen she/he should not be discouraged by anyone from running for any position of their interest," adds Ms Shayo.

Few of those who have represented the youth category in the parliament (Amina Chifupa and Kabwe Zito) have proven that they deserved those positions.

"I would encourage young people to participate in upcoming election. They may do so by either voting, running for political offices, helping new -- especially those perceived to fit in the "Taifa La Kesho" group get into offices they are vying for.

Getting new faces in elected position creates a door for new air to come in the government and make it easier for more "Taifa La Kesho" age group members, seat on the table of groups that make important decisions for our country", Mr Bitariho gives a final note.