THE RIGHT TO RECALL IN TANZANIA: A LEGAL AND DEMOCRATIC ANALYSIS
The right to recall constitutes one of the most direct democratic mechanisms through which citizens hold their elected representatives accountable even before the expiry of their constitutional tenure. It grants the electorate the power to withdraw their mandate from a non-performing or unfaithful representative, ensuring continuous accountability beyond periodic elections. In Tanzania, the existing constitutional and legal framework does not provide for such a mechanism. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 recognizes representative democracy through general elections every five years but lacks an express provision allowing voters to recall Members of Parliament. This omission raises fundamental questions about the adequacy of the country’s democratic and accountability structures. Using a doctrinal and comparative approach, this paper critically analyses the concept of recall within the Tanzanian constitutional framework, examines its importance in enhancing democratic accountability, and draws lessons from Kenya where recall is legally recognized. The study concludes that while Tanzania’s constitutional system provides mechanisms for political accountability, the absence of the right to recall undermines citizens’ power to ensure responsive and transparent governance. The paper recommends constitutional and statutory reforms to introduce the right to recall as a means of strengthening democracy and promoting trust in the electoral process.
Keywords: Right to Recall, Accountability, Democracy, Constitution of Tanzania, Political Representation, Kenya, United States
