Africa-Press – Tanzania. A CROSS section of academicians has backed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s concept of democracy, suggesting that the country should maintain its own practice(s) instead of relying on foreign approaches.
They were commenting on the remarks made by President Samia on Wednesday, while marking the International Day of Democracy themed ‘Ajenda ya Mwanamke ni Turufu ya Ushindi’ literally as ‘A Woman’s Agenda is Trump Card for Victory’.
During her speech at the event that was held at Diamond Jubilee Hall, the Head of State noted that, the concept of democracy depends on the nature of a particular country.
“Although democracy has been agreed upon globally, its implementation has also to consider the nature of the country, level of development, constitution, laws and guidelines,” she said.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ in a telephone interview yesterday, the analysts supported President Samia’s argument, stressing that the country was on the right track in promoting democracy A Lecturer at Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College (Tudarco) told this paper that it was not possible for the concept to be implemented equally across the world.
“Tanzania has its own culture, therefore it isn’t possible for the country to copy everything that is being done by the so-called civilised countries” she urged.
However, she suggested that the country should continue practicing democracy by providing more space for social interaction and freedom of expression.
Her notes were in line with President Samia’s sentiments that Tanzania is also doing well in promoting freedom of expression.
According to her, the country is among the list of countries with a large number of media outlets of which, 75 per cent are privately owned. Available statistics show that by May this year Tanzania had a total of 257 newspapers, 197 radio stations, 50 television stations, 452 Online TV stations and 122 blogs.
For his part, an Assistant Lecturer at Mzumbe University in Morogoro, Mr Jerlum Kilumile said implementation of democracy should match with economic status of a particular country.
“The highest level of democracy is easily attained when the country is economically stable,” he said, seconding President Samia’s concept that Tanzania has its own way of executing democracy.
Mr Kilumile also commended the government for its continued efforts to strengthen democracy and ensure the country is doing better and maintains its position globally.
