As Tanzania goes to the polls for the most contested national election since its return to multiparty politics in 1992, it is imperative that the elections are credible, not just for the stability of Tanzania but of the sub-region and Africa. Many elections in the continent have become crises in themselves. In many instances election management resembles crises management. This is simply because of the huge significance of elections as access to national resources and power; the personalization of state powers by elected officials and the reluctance of politicians to play by the rules.
The implication of this state of affairs is that across Africa, electoral controversies have destabilized countries. East Africa has had its fair share of electoral challenges that have led to violence and political instability. Implicitly any further destabilization in Tanzania due to electoral conflict will gravely undermine the stability of East and Central Africa and by extension Africa.
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