Gender equality principles and transformation of the patriarchal systems inherent in our political culture cannot be part of the election agenda for these major parties as the campaign is notguided based on a list of issues, no principles. A Guardian Columnist (Richard Mngazija) lists “fifteen promises which will never be fulfilled by who ever wins State House” (The Guardian Friday 9thOctober 2015). Interestingly the list does not differ much and non of these issues carry a gender equality agenda. Lowassa is going to hold TANESCO accountable and in his 100 days he is going to fullfill most of his promises. Magufuli is giving irresponsible unaccountable a few days to his entering state house. His running mate promises 50million to every village. While Magufuli promises to scrap off primary and secondary school fees, Lowassa on his part he will offer free education to all. The list continues, without strategy and without overarching principles. In this regard, gender equality principles do not have a room in a shopping list! But women are urged to turn up on the voting day and vote for change or transformation. What transformation? Guided by what principles?
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