CIVICS O LEVEL(FORM TWO) NOTES – DEMOCRACY

DEMOCRACY

1. MEANING OF DEMOCRACY

   Democracy is a Greek word originating from two words: “demos,” meaning people, and “crato,” meaning “rule of” or “rule by.” In Greece, democracy means the rule of the people. President Abraham Lincoln of the USA in the 16^th century defined democracy as a government of the people, for the people, by the people.

   Therefore, democracy is a system of government and leadership in which the supreme power belongs to the people, where the majority make political decisions and the rights of the minority are considered and protected.

2. TYPES OF DEMOCRACY

   There are two types of democracy:

   1. Direct democracy.
   2. Indirect democracy.

DIRECT DEMOCRACY OR PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

This is a political system where people vote on government decisions directly without representatives. All adult citizens participate in decision-making on matters brought up for discussion. Every important issue is put before an assembly of all citizens for a vote. Direct democracy can only be practiced in countries with small populations. Switzerland is the only country in the world that practices direct democracy. Every Swiss citizen votes on national matters and can challenge laws as well as oppose amendments.

In many countries, it is impossible for everyone to participate directly in all government decisions because of large populations. Some elements of direct democracy exist at the local level, such as in small communities, tribes, clans, or families where every adult can come together and vote on certain issues.

Features of direct democracy

1. Societies have enough freedom to make their own decisions.
2. People directly contribute to government decisions.
3. All votes have equal weight.
4. All adult citizens have the right to vote on all national issues.

INDIRECT OR REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

This is a political system where people elect representatives instead of voting directly on most government decisions. Citizens elect people to serve in parliament and executive positions.

These representatives convey the interests and desires of their constituencies by participating in government processes. Representation can also be in different community groups; members elect persons to represent them and make decisions on their behalf.

In representative democracy, citizens participate indirectly by electing village councilors, members of parliament, and the president. At the school level, students elect representatives to the school government, such as class monitors.

Features of indirect democracy

1. Elected leaders or representatives are removed through constitutionally organized periodic elections. Tanzania conducts elections every five years.
2. All adult citizens have the right to vote or be voted for in an election.
3. People have freedom of assembly, worship, press, opinion, and association as long as they abide by rules and regulations.
4. The elected body governs according to the wishes of the majority.
5. There is competition among political parties.

TYPES OF INDIRECT DEMOCRACY

1. Parliamentary democracy

   Voters elect representatives to parliament. Members of parliament choose a person to head the cabinet, called the prime minister, who leads the majority party. Parliament can force the prime minister to resign through a vote of no confidence. Ethiopia, India, and the United Kingdom are examples of parliamentary democracies.

2. Presidential democracy

   The parliament and cabinet are independent. The president does not directly control parliament, allowing checks and balances. Tanzania follows this system.

3. Combined parliamentary and presidential democracy

   The president is elected by the people, while the prime minister is elected by parliament members. France follows this system.

PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY

1. Citizen participation

   Citizens are obliged to participate fully in political, social, and economic affairs. Participation is both their right and duty.

   In a democratic country, people participate in:

   1. Voting in elections
   2. Becoming informed about community and civic meetings
   3. Paying taxes
   4. Reading about public issues
   5. Discussing public issues
   6. Working in campaigns

2. Equality

   Democracy values all people equally and provides equal opportunities in political, social, and economic matters. No one is discriminated against because of religion, race, ethnic group, or gender. People are free to have different cultures, personalities, languages, and beliefs.

3. Political tolerance

   The ability to bear with something unpleasant or annoying. Politicians should have peaceful negotiations and reach consensus after disagreements.

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4. Transparency

   The government should perform its functions openly.

   Importance of transparency

   1. Enables people to know what the government is doing for their well-being.
   2. Makes citizens develop a good understanding of their government.
   3. Necessary for the development of people and society at large.

   A transparent government discusses with citizens through meetings where questions and constructive criticism are welcomed. The press and people should access information about decisions made, by whom, and why. An accountable government keeps people informed.

5. Regular free and fair elections

   Elections should be held periodically in a peaceful, free, and fair environment where all citizens participate in choosing their leaders. This expresses the citizens’ will.

6. Economic freedom

   Democratic societies allow private property and business ownership. People can choose their work, engage in legal work, and join trade unions. There should be free markets, and the state should not control the economy. The government should allow debate on national issues.

7. Control of the abuse of power

   Preventing elected officials or groups from misusing power, such as corruption or illegal use of public funds.

8. Bill of rights

   A list of rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens in a country’s constitution, enforceable by courts. It limits government power and emphasizes human value. Examples include:

   1. Freedom of expression
   2. Freedom of association
   3. Freedom of assembly
   4. Freedom of equality
   5. Right to education

9. Multiparty

   The existence of more than one political party, allowed in every democratic country. Parties participate in elections and government roles.

   A multiparty system allows the winning party to form the government, keeping the government responsive to the people.

10. The role of the law

    All members of society, including leaders, accept and respect the law. No one is above the law; all are equal before it. Everyone must obey the law and be accountable for violations. The law must be equal, fair, and consistently enforced.

11. Accepting the results of the election

    Candidates must accept election results because there must be a winner and a loser. Failure to accept results may lead to violence and undermine democracy. Free and fair elections help ensure acceptance.

Strengths of the principles of democracy

They guide people and government actions. Some principles include:

1. Presence of a national constitution
2. Free and fair elections
3. Rule of law and multiparty system

With these principles, citizens:

1. Access their resources.
2. Make decisions on daily affairs.
3. Have equal opportunity to elect and be elected.

They have greatly helped promote human rights, such as:

1. Participation
2. Equal opportunity
3. Freedom of mass media and integrity

Weaknesses of the principles of democracy

Democracy has some shortcomings:

1. Unfairness

   Majority decisions may overlook minority views, which can also be valuable.

2. Poor representation

   Elected leaders may lack capability to handle technical issues.

3. Need for literacy

   Illiterate people may not know their rights or limits of leaders’ power, leading to poor leadership choices and exploitation.

4. Time consuming

   Democratic decision-making can be slow, even when quick solutions are needed.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIRECT DEMOCRACY AND INDIRECT DEMOCRACY

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMOCRACY IN TANZANIA

1. Political freedom

   Tanzanians who qualify to vote may stand for elections. Citizens attend community or civic meetings and are members of political parties.

2. No discrimination

   There is no discrimination due to race, religion, ethnic group, or gender. All are equal.

3. Tolerance

   Opposition parties are tolerated and protected. Citizens are required to be tolerant of each other.

4. Free and fair election

   Elections are fair and free, held every five years.

5. Economic freedom

   Since 1985, Tanzania has allowed economic freedom and private ownership. Individuals can own property, businesses, choose work, and join labor unions.

   Multiparty politics was introduced in 1992, with many parties participating in political affairs.

6. Legal rights

   In democratic elections, losers respect results. Dissatisfied individuals may seek rights through courts.

7. Equality before the law

   No one is above the law; all are equal. Violations can be challenged in court.

8. Rule of law

   Tanzania controls abuse of power through organizations like the Human Rights and Good Governance Commission and the Prevention of Corruption Bureau (PCB), which help protect people.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC AND NON-DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT

MULTIPARTY SYSTEM

Multiparty is a political system where many political parties operate legally. Each party aims to take power through democratic elections and form the government.

A political party is a group legally organized and registered to form a government. More than one party must participate in elections and government roles for a multiparty system.

Features of multiparty system

1. Citizens express political views openly.
2. Human rights are respected, allowing free expression.
3. Public accountability and transparency are promoted.
4. Multipartism is tolerant.
5. High citizen participation in political affairs.
6. Citizens can form pressure groups or NGOs.
7. The state remains responsive to social and political needs.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY IN TANZANIA

Tanzania reintroduced multiparty democracy in 1992. During colonial resistance, Tanganyika had multiparty democracy with parties such as United Tanganyika Party (UTP), African National Congress (ANC), All Muslim National Union of Tanganyika (AMNUT), and Tanganyika African National Union (TANU). Zanzibar had Afro Shiraz Party (ASP), Zanzibar National Party (ZNP), Zanzibar and Pemba Peoples Party (ZPPP), and the short-lived Umma Party.

These parties were well organized and active. The 1965 constitutional changes created a one-party state in both Tanganyika and Zanzibar, with TANU and ASP as the sole parties respectively. From 1965 to 1992, Tanzania did not have a multiparty system.

Political parties in Tanzania

1. Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM)
2. Civic United Front (CUF)
3. Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA)
4. Tanzania Labour Party (TLP)
5. National Convention for Construction and Reform (NCCR-MAGEUZI)
6. Chama cha Kaki na Ustawi (CHAUSTA)
7. United Democracy Party (UDP)
8. Jahazi Asilia
9. Progressive Party of Tanzania (PPT)
10. Democratic Party (DP)
11. Tanzania Democratic Alliance (TADEA)
12. Sauti ya Umma (SAU)
13. National League for Democracy Party (NLDP)
14. National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA)
15. Democrasia Makini
16. Forum for Restoration of Democracy (FORD)
17. Union for Multi-Party Democracy (UMD)

PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS IN DEMOCRATIC ACTIVITIES

Student participation includes:

1. Standing for elections, e.g., school or club representation.
2. Voting for leaders or issuing school or club elections.
3. Joining a political party if qualified.
4. Taking part in political party work.
5. Staying informed about parliamentary activities.
6. Debating democracy-related matters.
7. Attending community or civic meetings.
8. Expressing opinions in peer group meetings.
9. Participating in youth organizations.
10. Educating the community on democratic rights, e.g., through songs.

DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS

Meaning and indicators of democratic elections

Election is the process of choosing a person by vote, especially for political positions.

Democratic elections involve principles such as:

• Equal treatment of participants
• Political tolerance
• Freedom of expression
• Participation in campaigns
• Freedom of assembly and sharing ideas

Indicators of democratic elections

Four indicators include:

1. Free and fair election campaigns

Campaigns are political meetings to win voters. Candidates present policies and programs. Citizens can ask questions to make informed choices.

2. Equal opportunities for all political parties

Equal opportunities include:

• All parties and nominees are heard equally.
• Mass media gives equal coverage to all candidates.
• TV and radio air candidates’ views equally.
• Print media publishes party policies equally.
• The government allows opposition parties to operate freely.

3. Code of ethics for elections

An agreement between the National Electoral Commission, government, and political parties to ensure fairness, understanding, peace, and harmony during elections. It covers:

1. Ethics for political parties and candidates
2. The government of Tanzania
3. National Electoral Commission

The NEC plans, supervises, and conducts free and fair elections.

4. Frequency of elections / Election interval

General elections for president and parliament are held every five years.

Importance of democratic elections

Every qualified citizen should vote to bring change:

1. Choose officials for political parties, central, and local government.
2. Strengthen democracy through peaceful leadership changes.
3. Create an acceptable government.
4. Put popular representatives and parties in power.
5. Decide on important national issues.
6. Guarantee continuous representation and accountability.

How free and fair elections are ensured in Tanzania

Indicators of free and fair elections

Election conditions

• Held every five years as per the constitution.
• Many political parties compete equally for seats.
• Voting rights for all qualified citizens.
• Secret voting without coercion.
• Civic education on voting rights.
• Campaigns allow candidates to publicize policies and answer questions.
• Political tolerance.
• Respect for results, especially by losers.
• Election petitions allowed in courts.

Election procedures

NEC supervises and coordinates:

• Voter registration for presidential, parliamentary, and civic elections.
• Conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections.
• Review of electoral boundaries.
• Other legal functions.

Conditions for candidates in general elections

Candidates must qualify according to the constitution.

Conditions for presidential candidates

The candidate must be:

1. A citizen of the United Republic of Tanzania by birth.
2. Aged 40 years or above.
3. A member and candidate nominated by a political party.
4. Member of parliament or house of representatives.
5. Nominated by 200 registered voters from each of ten regions, two in Zanzibar.

Conditions for parliamentary candidates

1. Citizen aged 21 or above, able to read and write Kiswahili and English.
2. Member and sponsored by a political party.
3. Supported by at least 25 registered voters in the constituency.
4. Statutory declaration of qualifications.
5. Deposit of Tsh 50,000 with NEC.
6. No conviction for tax evasion.

Conditions for voters

1. Citizen of Tanzania.
2. Registered as a voter.
3. 18 years or above.
4. Person of sound mind.
5. Not detained in lawful custody within the past five years.

THE SPIRIT OF TOLERANCE

Before elections

Registration

Registration identifies voters and issues voter cards to prevent double voting. Tanzania introduced permanent voter registrars in January 2000.

Campaigns are held where candidates inform and convince voters.

Polling day

On polling day:

1. Voters present voter cards; names are checked in the register.
2. Voters receive ballot papers and mark their choice in secret booths.
3. Voting is secret; no one sees the marked ballot.
4. Ballot papers are placed in ballot boxes.
5. Voters’ fingers are marked with dye to prevent multiple voting.

Voters show tolerance by following voting procedures.

Vote counting

After voting, ballot boxes are opened in front of party agents and monitors. Ballots are counted, and spoilt papers set aside. Tolerance is shown when counting proceeds without interruption.

Declaration of the results

Results are announced on the spot. Party agents sign result forms to confirm acceptance. Copies are posted outside polling stations for transparency. Area returning officers tally results and announce winners.

The National Electoral Commission chairperson announces presidential results. Defeated candidates and supporters should accept results in the spirit of tolerance.

By-elections

By-elections fill parliamentary or council seats that become vacant between general elections, occurring when:

1. A member dies.
2. A member resigns.
3. Parliament is dissolved early.
4. A member fails to discharge duties.