Who will save Tanzanias ailing economy?

With exactly 46 days to the presidential election, Tanzania’s presidential candidates are facing an uphill task of convincing the electorate that they can successfully spur economic growth in the East Africa’s largest country.

This comes even as a slump in commodity prices and flight by global investors from risky “frontier” markets hammers currencies and state budgets across Africa, increasing dollar borrowing costs and raising the prospect of political instability according to a Reuters report.

The Tanzanian shilling has over the last few months fallen steadily against the US dollar, and in one case it came closer to crashing through an all time historic low.

Although the decline in prices of commodities has been less precipitous than during the global crisis, Tanzania’s economy – despite the country enjoying the advantage of one of the longest coastlines in the region, has to some extent stagnated and requires a catalyst to spur growth.

The question is: will any of the 2015 presidential election front-liners save the ailing economy and address inequality?

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s flag-bearer Dr. John Pombe Magufuli has been described as Tinga, meaning a tractor. This is associated to his record performance while serving as the Minister for Roads and infrastructure under the leadership of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

Magufuli has been credited with the growth of road networks in the country and setting policies that have governed and regulated infrastructural development.

On the other hand, his closest rival and former Prime Minister Edward Ngoyai Lowassahas been referred to as Kiboko,  meaning a cane. This, according to residents signifies his ability to whip the ‘lazyness’ and ‘poor leadership’ exhibited by CCM in its close to 50 years of leadership.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Lowassa is credited with setting stands in service delivery in government offices and his strict nature has been seen as the face of reform.

Lowassa, who defected to Chadema after he was locked out of nominations by CCM, is also viewed as the man who holds the key to uniting Tanzanians especially the first ever most influential presidential contender from the northern part of the country that is highly inhabited by pastrolists.

The rising debt of the country is also a factor that has come to play in the campaigns with both candidates promising to address the same.

However, the real test for the candidates will be on democracy. Most Tanzanians argue, according to Prof. Kitila Nkumbo – a political analyst and lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, that democracy has been a ‘luxury’ owing to the prolonged leadership by one party.

The presidential poll has attracted eight contenders and is set for October 5th, 2015. It has been described as the country’s most competitive poll in its history.