University of Dar es Salaam Launches Critical Pre-Election Manifesto Dialogue
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – With the upcoming national elections just weeks away, the University of Dar es Salaam Academic Staff Assembly (Udasa) is set to host a groundbreaking public dialogue challenging political parties to substantiate their election promises.
Scheduled for September 28 at the university’s Nkrumah Hall, the event will bring together all 18 political parties cleared for the 2025 General Election. Party leaders will be required to present and defend their manifestos, offering citizens an unprecedented opportunity to critically examine campaign pledges.
The dialogue aims to transform voter engagement by compelling political parties to demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of their proposed policies. Udasa leaders emphasize that manifestos are not merely campaign tools, but binding contracts between politicians and citizens.
“We want Tanzanians to approach the ballot box with clarity, understanding which party has realistic policies that can genuinely drive national transformation,” said Udasa representatives.
Key objectives of the dialogue include:
– Challenging unrealistic campaign promises
– Empowering voters with critical analytical tools
– Promoting political accountability
– Encouraging evidence-based electoral decisions
The unique forum will feature party secretaries-general presenting their key goals, followed by rigorous examination from academic experts and open public questioning. This approach aims to separate political rhetoric from practical, implementable strategies.
As campaign season intensifies with parties proposing ambitious plans ranging from industrial development to healthcare reforms, this dialogue represents a critical intervention in Tanzania’s democratic process.
The event is strategically timed one month before elections, providing voters ample opportunity to reflect on and evaluate party commitments critically.
