TANZANIA 1995 MULTIPARTY ELECTIONS - THE EMERGING PARTY SYSTEM

In 1995 Tanzania held its first multi-party elections since the 1965 c onstitution formally established a one-party system. This article seek s to assess the emerging party system in Tanzania and examines the que stion of whether the competition that emerged represents an expansion of political choice for citizens and a broader representation of socie tal forces. The emerging party system is assessed in view of several s alient features of the Tanzanian political system. The legal and insti tutional framework strongly favours the governing party. The conclusio n argues that in view of the nature and capacities of the new politica l parties and the legal/institutional framework, the expansion of both choice and representation is very limited. The most we can expect fro m the Tanzanian transition is a dominant-party system with the governi ng party flanked by marginal opposition parties