Bill proposes penalty for parties that allow non-citizen cadres

It proposes a maximum fine of 20m/- for a political party found to allow a non-citizen to participate in its decision-making affairs. The bill further proposes temporary termination and deregistration of the political party proven to have violated the law.

The bill proposes that candidates submit detailed documents funding of their candidature to their respective political parties during general as well as civic elections.

For by-election, a candidate is required to prepare and submit a statement of the use of election funds to the party within 30 days.

Presenting the bill in the morning, Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliamentary and Coordination) Ummy Nderiananga said the bill intends to make amendments of two laws namely the Elections Costs Act Cap 278 and the Political Parties Act Cap 258 with the intention of strengthening democracy, transparency and gender equality in political parties.

“The aim of the amendment is to strictly control non-citizens from getting involved in the decisions of political parties as the law currently prohibits this but lacks provisions for punishment,” she said.

Nderiananga said the bill proposes political parties to identify key documents they intend to use in their activities, including gender policy and inclusion of special groups, financial management and rules for selection of candidates and election of party leaders.

She said the bill suggests that political party demonstrations be held in accordance with the law of the Police Force and Auxiliary Services, Chapter 322.

The bill proposes to set a condition that distribution of grants will be done taking into account the results of elections, namely the number of MPs and councillors each political party get.

 Abdullah Ali Mwinyi, member of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Administration and Constitution, commended the government for amending Article 11 and adding Subsection (7) by setting a penalty not exceeding 20m/- for a political party that allows a non-citizen to participate in its decision-making processes.