Comment: The Politics of Party Defection in Tanzania

Political party defection is a sign of unstable party democracy and/or jockeying for political positions. Defections happen from ruling party to the opposition and from the opposition to the ruling party. In African fledgling democracies, party defections are not about ideology or philosophic underpinnings. Party switching in many African states is largely driven by ethno-demographic and religious factors. These factors have also informed political party formation. Party switching is also a strategic political manoeuvring. Despite Tanzania boasting of national parties, political party strength is largely regional. We're now witnessing a surge in party defections from across the parties.

The defection of former PM Edward Lowassa from CCM to Chadema in 2015 was monumental, especially it coming just before a general election. The election season several high-profile defections. Defections from a dominant ruling party like CCM to the opposition is always huge. CCM's single party dominance has continuously been challenged. There has been attempts at opposition unity and we’re now witnessing defections. CCM is also benefitting from defections from the opposition. It has become a show of who can reap more from the defections!

My analysis: This is a sign of dissatisfaction in how parties are being run in Tanzania. It is also an indication that despite CCM's dominance, there is a growing apathy within the party which is causing these defections. With the opposition losing its members through defections, it means there is something wrong in their parties. Despite CCM’ dwindling fortunes, opposition switching allegiances means that it remains a core party whose legacy resonates with the national character of Tanzania.   

Why Kisii Women Make the Best Wives [My wife's take]

My wife sent me this piece in the Standard on why Kisii women make the best wives. I responded that yes, indeed as article argues, Kisii women actually make the best wives. Here is the link to the article, which among other things argues that Kisii women are submissive, compassionate, homekeepers, motherly and self reliant. 

Kenya's Supreme Court Upholds Uhuru Kenyatta's victory

The Supreme Court of Kenya upheld Uhuru Kenyatta's controversial win after it had ordered a fresh elections in a judgement on 1 September 2017. A fresh election which was boycotted by the main opposition NASA, was conducted on 26 October. Uhuru Kenyatta won by 98.2% in an election that witnessed extreme low voter turnout. Two petitions were filed challenging his victory. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision concluded that the petitions challenging Mr. Kenyatta's victory lacked merit.