Genesis and Implications of Police Interference In Opposition Rallies in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the political, social, and legal dimensions of police interference in opposition political rallies in Tanzania from 2015 to 2020. It specifically focuses on the political motivations behind such interference, its effects on opposition activities, and the challenges encountered by the police force in managing these rallies. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research draws from a combination of primary data, including interviews with key stakeholders such as police officers, opposition leaders, and civil society activists, alongside secondary sources like legal documents, political party statements, human rights reports, and media coverage. The findings indicate that police interference was primarily motivated by political agendas, with the ruling party leveraging law enforcement as a mechanism to suppress dissent and maintain control over the political landscape. The selective enforcement of laws, particularly the Public Order Act 1983, severely restricted the operational space for opposition parties and diminished democratic participation. Moreover, the study highlights how such interference eroded public trust in both the police and the government, while operational challenges such as inadequate resources and overwhelming political pressure further compromised the police force’s capacity to manage rallies in a manner that respects civil liberties. The study concludes by offering recommendations for legal and operational reforms aimed at fostering more transparent and democratic law enforcement practices. While the focus of this research is primarily on Dar es Salaam, the limitations noted include the reliance on secondary data, prompting suggestions for future studies to broaden the scope to other regions and explore longitudinal trends in police interference.