Governance and Democracy
Written by Basil Malaki
In order to realize sustainable development in developing countries, we should exercise democracy by embracing inclusive and participatory citizen engagement in the governance structures of public institutions in the society.
Considering the rapid global evolution of technology trends, visionary world leaders are already positioning their countries to embed innovative civic technology approaches in delivering transparent, responsive, and accountable technology systems catalyzed by creation of digital services and open government data for anticipated future needs.
The sustainable Development Goal — SDG 16, aims at ‘promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’, source — un.org
Hatua Project, a Buni Hub and Sahara Sparks initiative in collaboration with Making All Voices Count (MAVC) has collectively identified the need to merge SDG 16 and SDG 9, which aims at ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure’ to mobilize Tanzanian citizens to take action and get involved in the policy formulation dynamics and decision making structures of the country’.
‘More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, and 90 percent are from the developing world. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to information and knowledge, as well as foster innovation and entrepreneurship’, source — undp.org
Hatua Project provides an open engagement platform for local government authorities and citizens to interact and identify community challenges that can effectively be addressed through application of innovative technology solutions, thereafter mobilizing tech savvy citizens to provide innovative technology tools inspired and designed by active citizens with an aim of restoring sanity, hope and trust of the people in public institutions hence promoting democracy in governance.
The international Day of Democracy 2016 comes at a time when the Tanzanian government has positively given indications that it has rededicated itself to democracy and dignity for its citizens by passing the long awaited access to information bill into law, the government described the historic act as, ‘a fresh law to improve accountability and transparency in the country’.
The controversial access to information bill had previously been criticized by a section of MP’s as an ill motive bill aimed at oppressing press freedom; the access to information bill will help citizens access information from public institutions in an effort to promote democracy in the country.
In Tanzania today, with the active involvement of the government in considering an inclusive and innovative approach of governance, we believe democracy will thrive and the ripple-results and future prospects of good governance will reflect through massive improvements in the socio-economic development of the country.
*I wrote this article in celebration of the International Day of Democracy — 15th September.
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