Dar es Salaam. Residents here have expressed mixed opinions regarding candidates distributing gifts during the election period. Some view the act as a sign of affection, while others label it as bribery aimed at influencing voters.
Bribery during elections is strictly prohibited in Tanzania, with authorities such as the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (TAKUKURU) issuing stern warnings to political parties and their candidates against engaging in such practices. Violators risk facing legal consequences.
During every election season in the country, parties and their candidates distribute various gifts, such as caps, khangas, vitenge (traditional fabrics), and more, to citizens as part of their campaigns. This raises the question of whether these are mere gifts or bribes intended to sway voters’ decisions.
This year, citizens are expected to vote for the President, Members of Parliament, and councillors in the General Election on October 29, 2025. Shortly after the National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces the candidates, these gifts are likely to reach the voters.
The Chanzo spoke to several residents in Dar es Salaam to gauge their willingness to accept such gifts, revealing a diversity of perspectives.
Love for the people
Martha Kibuga, a resident of Mwananyamala, Dar es Salaam, explained that she does not perceive these gifts as bribes but rather as ordinary tokens of affection from leaders to their constituents, demonstrating care.
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“I will accept it because it comes from my leader, and I will receive it wholeheartedly and with love. It’s not brought as a bribe but as a gesture of love,” Martha responded when asked if she would accept the gifts.
She added that even without the gift, she would still vote for the candidate because she supports them regardless.
“It’s legitimate because they give it out of love, even though some might see it as bribery,” Martha added. “To me, it’s just a way to show affection or ease the burdens of the people.”
While differing slightly from Martha by describing the gifts as bribes, Oscar Kokonyoka, another resident of Mwananyamala, downplayed their influence, stating that a voter could accept the gift and still not vote for the giver.
“As a voter who knows which leader suits you, you might take the gift but still fail to vote for them,” Kokonyoka explained. “You might even choose not to accept it at all.”
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Fikiri Beti, a Dar es Salaam resident, argued that the debate over gifts as election bribes is unnecessary, questioning why a candidate would offer bribes as if they have some business going on in the public service.
Recouping the costs
“If you’re a leader aspiring for office, why would you give out money?” Beti asked. “What business in leadership will help you recoup that money?”
Beti believes such candidates lack leadership qualities, asserting that a good leader should demonstrate tangible development in their constituency.
When asked if he would reject gifts from a candidate, Beti replied, “If they bring me a gift, I’ll accept it because I didn’t ask for it. I’ll use it, but I’ll still vote based on my judgment. The gift is given voluntarily.”
According to TAKUKURU, not all gifts qualify as bribes. What matters, the authority emphasises, is the timing of the gift.
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However, addressing the issue during a meeting with editors on April 30, 2025, TAKUKURU’s Director General, Crispin Chalamila, stated that election-period gifts must be scrutinised carefully.
“Regarding gifts, when are they given?” Chalamila asked. “We all live here, and you’ve never given gifts before. Why now, when you’ve declared your candidacy? These gifts must be examined.”
Some residents who spoke to The Chanzo agreed with TAKUKURU’s stance, openly stating that such gifts are bribes and should be regulated during elections.
Not right
“Honestly, this issue isn’t right,” said Ramadhani Kidile, a Dar es Salaam resident. “It means you’ve done nothing for five years, but as elections approach, you start bringing gifts to get closer to the people.”
“During those five years, you were invisible, only to reappear two or three months before elections,” he added. “That’s bribery, and it’s wrong.”
Destiny Chakupewa, a resident of Makumbusho, Dar es Salaam, also believes that distributing gifts during elections should not be permitted, as it undermines efforts to combat electoral bribery.
“Voting is supposed to be secret, and these gifts are clearly meant to influence voters, which is against the law and unacceptable,” Chakupewa explained.
Veronika Ezekia is a reporter for The Chanzo based in Dar es Salaam. She’s available at veronikaezekia22@gmail.com.
