It is an example to follow

I think Tanzanians should emulate the example shown by the organizers of the 'London Citizens Assembly' in order to strengthen the democratic processes in our country.

Candidates (Presidential, Parliamentary as well as Local Authority Councellors) should be brought together -before a panel of interviewers and be scrutinezed, to explain their policies and what they are going to deliver for Tanzania. At that point we would be able to realize which candidate's political party policies are suitable for constituents and Tanzanians in general. The issues in question should focus policies and accountability.

At the moment candidates are elected basing on, more or less, how many projects they have funded by money/resources from their own 'pockets'. In turn, only the rich and bussinessmen/women do get elected as political leaders. Once the majority of these business people given opportunity, they would use it for their own benefits.

Just imagine scandals like External debt Payments Arrears (EPA), the Richmond, the Independet Petroleum Tanzania Limited (IPTL) and the mining contracts. I think they are all the result of us (voters) voting to office greedy people who, (perhaps?) spent their money to buy our votes.

Remember we had the asante (takrima) law which legalized candidets to give voters gifts and/or money. Again we accepted donations of money, materials and facilities like schools, police posts etc. from candidates or 'would be candidates' without asking ourselves the consequences of such donations. We had no idea how such money/funds were obtained in the first place! However, I would like to thank the government for changing that takrima law. It is now not legal to for candidates offer takrima!

I must be clear here. That it is not bad, in any measure, for someone to help building our nation through donations, funding projects and fund raising for community facilities.

My problem is that, why almost all who help constituents (through donations) finally end up running for Member of Parliament or a ward councillor?

There are people like Bill Gates who have been helping needy people all over the world over the years, but they haven't shown any political ambitions! If one gives something to the community or society why should he/she want it back through our votes?

Once these 'vote-buyers' get to the office, the first thing they do is to find out ways to 'refund' themselves the money they used during the campaigns and the fastest way they use is through dubious contracts -where they get commissions (of 10 per cent or more).

Afterall, these corruption practices we witness in our goverment or local goverments could have been avoided by choosing to elect the right candidates.
mosonga2002@yahoo.com
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The Mayoral Accountability Assembly on Wednesday 09th April 2008.
(source: londoncitizens website)
The London Citizens** Listening Campaign has given Londoners, young and old, here since birth or recently arrived, a chance to shape the priorities of London's Mayoral hopefuls.

In an unprecedented show of political unity, the three main candidates in the race to be mayor of London have backed a call for an amnesty for all 'undocumented migrants' who have lived in Britain for four years or longer at the London Citizens Accountability Assembly on 9th April 2008.

Taking a break from the divisive politics that have characterised their campaigns so far, Mayor Ken Livingstone of the Labour Party, who is seeking an unprecedented third term, made the pledge along with Tory Boris Johnson, Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick and Sian Berry from The Green Party.

Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson, Brian Paddick and Sian Berry were publicly challenged to declare their position on a Citizens’ Agenda covering street safety, low pay, affordable housing and the status of undocumented migrants.
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**London Citizens is a diverse alliance of active citizens and community leaders organising for change. Members include faith groups, schools, student organisations, union branches and residents groups who share a commitment to action for the common good, and to nurturing leaders from all backgrounds.
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The Citizens Network
-In East London, TELCO London Citizens has been actively organising and campaigning for over ten years. TELCO is a well established and respected force for democratic change, and last year helped East Londoner's secure a living wage commitment from the London 2012 Olympic project team. More recently TELCO launched a public enquiry into the proposed redevelopment of the Queens Market, ensuring local people and traders have a meaningful say in its future.
-At South London's November 2005 Annual Assembly, members committed to campaign on housing, youth, living wages, dignity in hospital and immigration. Click here for more detail.
-Last year London Citizens extended its reach even further, establishing West London Citizens, and building on the experience gained through our older networks. West London Citizens has been very active in the 2006 Local Elections, putting proposals determined by our diverse membership, to the party leaders in Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Kensington and Chelsea.
-Fighting poverty wages in London, the Living Wage Campaign has had some major recent successes, with large highprofile employers agreeing to pay the £7.05 per hour London Living Wage.