The Nyerere factor no longer a factor in Tanzania politics

Julius Kabarange Nyerere is fondly remembered by many as the man who founded Tanzania and made it what it is today.

In fact, Nyerere has been a common denominator in the country’s politics thereby becoming a central and defining factor in the voting patterns.

Most Tanzanians have upheld and respected the Nyerere doctrines that have been championed by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for over 50 years.

He has been a unifying factor with all contestants using his legacy and voters religiously respecting his declaration saying that CCM should rule forever.

However, there has been an uneasiness over the last few years with a majority of the citizenry feeling that CCM has been unable to deliver a united and prosperous Tanzania.

This has greatly been observed in Zanzibar, which has had competitive politics since the late ’80s.

Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, a political analyst and a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, says that the Nyerere factor has lost touch especially among the young people who feel that most leaders who have taken over state house have been unable to deliver what he (Nyerere) stood for.

The Undugu factor, that was Nyerere’s strongest point that kept CCM intact and running, is slowly breaking away since most youth cannot associate with it.

At the same time, Prof. Kitila says Tanzanians are no longer ‘afraid’ of the opposition as they believe there is need for change.

CCM has always banked on the Nyerere factor to easily sail to victory. However, things are slowly changing with more and more Tanzanians failing to realize the fruits and successes of the ruling party.

This, says Prof. Kitila, is an indication of changing nature of politics, policy and leadership agenda of Tanzania.

CCM, however, still holds a reasonable popularity in the country bearing in mind that most Parliamentarians were elected on its ticket and are still seeking re-election using it.

This notwithstanding, the opposition has come of age and fronted a formidable force that has shaken the ruling party.

CCM’s victory will uphold the unpopular believe that the Nyerere factor can no longer influence the voting system. It’s failure will also uphold the believe that people are tired of his declarations and point of view.

For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation.