TANZANIA: Election watchdog sees unfair treatment of women candidates

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

DAR ES SALAAM, 19 Sep 2005 (IRIN) - The head of a women's NGO in Tanzania says she has received numerous reports of ill treatment and discrimination against women candidates in the run-up to the country's national elections.

"A woman parliamentary candidate was booed at a campaign rally in Lindi region shortly after she was introduced by [the candidate for president of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party] Jakaya Kikwete," said Ichikaeli Maro, the chairwoman of Tanzania Media Women's Association, on Friday.

"[Another] woman candidate was openly discriminated [against] in the primaries for a parliamentary seat in Kilimanjaro region," Maro said. "The panellists favoured men by giving them more time to speak."

The NGO issued a statement on Friday advising women contestants from all political parties to stand firm against abuse and for the electorate to be tolerant of all candidates.

"We urge all citizens to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate so that come October 30, they will be able to elect people with ability to lead the country," the statement read.

On 30 October, Tanzanians will elect a new president, as well as members of parliament and ward councillors. Hundreds of women are vying for seats, and one woman is running for president.

Inayat Manji, an official with the ruling party, acknowledged that women running for office in some parts of the country are facing discrimination. "But as a matter of policy, CCM has advocated for more women in politics."

[ENDS]