UN envoy hails Dar on democracy

UNITED Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Ambassador Oscar Fernandez Taranco, has commended the fourth-phase government for its endeavour in promoting democracy and good governance in the country. “The UN appreciates effort undertaken by the fourth phase government led by President Jakaya Kikwete in promoting transparency, accountability and responsiveness within state machinery,” said ambassador Taranco. The UN Ambassador was speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam at Mnazi Mmoja grounds during celebrations to commemorate the International Day of Democracy. Mr Taranco who was the guest of honour explicitly reaffirmed the UN’s commitment in supporting various local institutions to sustain and strengthen democracy. “Promoting democracy requires unwavering commitment on the side of the government and other key stakeholders, such as civil society organisations and political parties. “It should also be noted that democracy goes beyond holding regular elections, but also requires all key partners to address issues pertaining to justice, transparency, human liberty and dignity and responsible media,” he said. The Vice-chairman of the ruling CCM, Pius Msekwa, reiterated a need for the government and other key players to adhere to principl es of democracy, such as holding regular elections, existence of multi-party politics, participation of the grassroots in development matters, free and independent media. “However we should do it in such a way that it will not jeopardise national peace, harmony and tranquillity that we have been enjoying for decades,” said the CCM Vice Chairman. Mr Msekwa who is also the Vice-Chairman of the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD), insisted that the practice of democracy in the country should be geared to promote welfare of the people, equity and participation of the grassroots in governance related matters, just to mention a few. He also called for concerted effort to create public awareness on issues related to democracy, as a sine-quanon for effective participation of the people, particularly grassroots, in an on-going democratic process in the country and world at large.