Biteko urges NGOs to be neutral in voter education
DODOMA: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko yesterday called upon Non-Government Organisations that have been allowed to provide election education to the public to avoid acting under political influence and personal interests.
Closing the 2024 Annual NGOs Forum, the deputy Premier said those trusted for the job must demonstrate high level of professionalism to ensure the strong foundation of good governance is set.
“I urge all of you who will have the opportunity to provide voter education to focus on the principles of this exercise, let’s emphasise on the importance of voting and choosing the right leaders,” said Dr Biteko.
He added, “I understand that, as human beings, you may have affections for your political parties and perhaps favouritism toward a certain individual.
Please, restrain from embracing personal biases into this important process we are about to undertake.”
Dr Biteko said with proper education, majority Tanzanians will vote with a clear understanding of the importance of voting for the benefits of the country at large.
Recently, over 40 institutions showed interest in taking up the responsibility of providing public voter education as the Local Government Elections approach in November.
The surge in applications comes after the government announced positions for institutions to offer this crucial service to the public.
Dr Biteko also urged NGOs and CSOs to give their opinion as the government continues with the collection of views for preparing the National Development Vision 2050.
“The government is preparing a 25-year development vision. We are currently collecting views from the public, I am therefore asking NGOs and CSOs to give their views for the betterment of this nation’s future,” he said.
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On her part, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima said that NGOs have been supporting the government in executing various development programmes.
She said, “The ministry will continue to strengthen the enabling environment for NGOs to carry out their responsibilities to support the communities.”
Moreover, the Chairperson of the National Council of NGOs (NaCoNGO), Mr Jasper Makala asked the government to help in ad dressing challenges that face and hinder NGOs’ operations.
“NGOs are facing a number of challenges, sometimes we are being treated like private companies. Issues related to tax exemptions and charitable status, the lack of a specific system for accessing government grants are among many challenges that affect our performance,” said Mr Makala.
“Other challenges include the oversight and coordination of NGOs activities at the regional secretariat and local government levels and increased recognition of NGOs in driving various development efforts through the government’s main budget,” he added.
