AGENDA PARTICIPATION 2000 FOR A DEMOCRATIC CULTURE

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Background and Activities

Agenda Participation 2000 (AP2000) for a Democratic Culture is a continuation of a project launched during the Tanzania 2000 General Elections, Agenda Participation 2000 for Free and Fair Elections, intended to enhance Tanzania's experience with a plural political system.

The project fulfilled a crucial function in promoting democratic values and civic competence among the population. In view of the country's nascent experience with a plural democratic system it was deemed useful to continue the project. Therefore, in 2002, AP2000 was registered as an independent organization.

AP2000's current mandate focuses on promoting democratic values and process by promoting fundamental elements of democratic culture. These include fair play in elections, and accepting diversity of thought within an ethical framework.

Undoubtedly, building a democratic culture is an engaging political socialisation process. Towards this end, AP2000 focuses on Conflict Reduction as a means of building a democratic culture. Presently, Agenda 2000 for a Democratic Culture implements two main programmes:

 Campaign for Ten Principles for Democratic Culture

This is an advocacy campaign targeting the general public and voters. It involves sensitising them on the Ten Principles for Democratic Culture and to demonstrate support and commitment to conflict reduction and realisation of democratic culture in Tanzania, individuals are required to sign a memorandum.

 Civic Education Program

The Civic Education Programme comprises of specific activities aimed at promoting political and civic awareness, good governance and conflict reduction towards the institutionalisation of democratic practices in Tanzania's political culture.

THE TEN PRINCIPLES FOR A DEMOCRATIC CULTURE

1. Participation (Kushiriki)

   Participation builds a sense of ownership and forms the cornerstone of a democratic culture typified by the active engagement of the citizenry in national and local socio-economic and political issues.

   AP2000 commits itself to provide a platform through which the public can confidently engage in the management of their affairs and thereby inform Tanzania's democratic process.

2. Consensus (Mwafaka)

   Consensus presupposes the existence of plural views and interests within a society. Consensus also assumes shared fundamentals in a society based on firm trust and belief.

   Consensus requires dialogue and tolerance of divergent political and ideological viewpoints, and therefore is a key preoccupation of AP2000 aimed at instilling a democratic culture.

3. Transparency (Uwazi)

   Transparency assumes a citizen's right to information necessary to enhance their knowledge of public affairs. Lack of information thwarts public awareness and active participation thereby generating conditions for conflict.

   The manageability of conflict demands that AP2000 commits itself to the promotion of transparency and accountability.

4. Rule of Law (Utawala wa Sheria)

   The Rule of Law requires the existence of statutory instruments providing for the uniform adjudication of conflict and the management of public affairs.

   Towards promoting the Rule of Law and democratic culture Agenda Participation 2000 supports initiatives towards legal literacy, on the one hand, and encourages communication with law enforcement organs, on the other.

5. Human Rights (Haki za Binadamu)

   Democracy warrants the respect for Human Rights especially the rights of vulnerable groups like children, women, the poor, people with disabilities, the elderly, prisoners and people living with HIV/AIDS.

   To promote and safeguard Human Rights, Agenda Participation 2000 commits itself to the promotion and defence of human rights instruments and standards specifically, the right to assemble, to associate and freedom of expression.

6. Truthfulness (Ukweli)

   Truthfulness presupposes leadership that is modest, responsible, accountable and has a sense of realism.

   In order to build a democratic culture AP2000 commits to develop people's capacity to demand truthfulness from the leadership and how to distinguish fact from propaganda.

7. Culture of Competition (Utamaduni wa Ushindani)

   A Culture of Competition assumes the existence of alternatives; and the freedom and right of the public to make independent choices.

   To strengthen democracy, AP2000 commits to the development of a culture of competition. Similarly it stresses the right of citizens to choose leaders of their choice without pressure or manipulation.

8. Civic Competence (Uwezo wa Raia Kuhoji na Kuamua)

   Civic competence means the capability to apply knowledge responsibly when making a judgement or taking a decision. Without civic competence there cannot be effective participation in social and political life.

   AP2000 for a Democratic Culture commits to raising citizens' ability, competence and participation in public affairs in an effective and responsible manner as a way to promote a democratic culture.

9. Integrity (Uadilifu)

   As a principle, Integrity is opposed to all forms of corruption, bribery, fraud, lack of accountability, manipulation of the law, lack of decency or mismanagement of public affairs.

   Therefore, AP2000 will support efforts at building elements of responsible leadership. Likewise, AP2000 will encourage public efforts to hold leaders accountable for their actions

10. Equal Opportunity (Fursa Sawa)

    In recent times, we have witnessed policies and programmes in the political, economical and social spheres in which groups have been excluded, on the basis of gender, partisan beliefs, religion, ethnicity, race, or physical disability generating recrimination and conflicts.

    In principle AP2000 supports the equal involvement of all people in social, economic and political life. Ultimately the empowerment of the citizenry will guarantee their active and responsible participation in civic life.

CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

Activities under this programme include:

• Civic Workshops and Training on Democracy, Elections, Governance and Conflict reduction issues.
• Radio and Television Programmes
• Expert hearings or Public dialogues for Non State Actors, political parties and other interest groups
• Theatre for Democracy in rural and marginalised areas of Tanzania
• Sports Events for youth in schools
• Student Essays Competition

Strategy for the Dissemination of the Contents

The dissemination of the contents of the Civic Education Programme aims to reach a wider audience and therefore is undertaken via a network of individuals and civil society organizations including opinion leaders, political parties, trade unions, religious institutions; and women, human rights, youth NGOs working on the Mainland and in Zanzibar.

AP 2000 has developed or collected substantial materials on civic education. Should you require civic education materials, or support in utilizing the materials, please contact AP2000 Office at the address indicated below.

AP2000 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Prof. Max Mmuya, Chairperson, Department of Political Science, University of Dar Es Salaam.

Prof. Mwajabu Possi, Vice Chairperson, Institute of Mass Communications, University of Dar es Salaam.

Prof. Ibrahim Shao, Institute of Development Studies, University of Dar Es Salaam.

Amb. Mahmoud Jabir, Consultant.

Mrs. Nayla Sultan, Legal Advisor.

Mr. Moses Kulaba, Executive Secretary.

Physical Address:

5th Floor Ubungo Plaza
Morogoro Rd
(next to Ubungo Regional Bus Terminal)

P.O.BOX 55756
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
TEL: +255-22-2460036/39
FAX: +255-22-2460040

Internet:

info@agendaparticipation.org
Agenda Participation 2000 (AP2000)

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Documents:

AP 2000 Fact Sheet

Agenda Participation 2000

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Mar 2006