On July 17, 2024, the Tanzania Center for Democracy (TCD) marked a significant milestone in fostering democratic collaboration between Tanzania and Malawi. The TCD Vice Chairperson, Hon. Dorothy Semu, hosted a distinguished delegation from Malawi, led by the Leader of Opposition in the Malawian Parliament, Hon. Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda, and his colleagues, Hon. Charles Thomson Mchacha (MP) and the Director of Elections for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Mr. Thomas Psyata, who serves as Personal Assistant to the Leader of the Opposition.
The primary objective of this high-level meeting was to share, learn, exchange knowledge and experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration in the upcoming elections for Malawi and Tanzania in 2025.
Held at the TCD offices in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, the meeting was spearheaded by TCD Executive Director, Ms. Bernadertha Kafuko. The Tanzanian delegation comprised notable figures such as former Ambassador Mr. David Kapya, who served as Special Assistant to the late President Benjamin Mkapa, and Ms. Jacqueline Liana , Assistant Secretary of the Department of Politics and International Relations from Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Mr. Julius Mwita, Head of Monitoring, Evaluation and Training from the Party for Democracy and Progress (CHADEMA), Mr. Jafari Mneke, Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs for the Civic United Front (CUF), Hon. Shaweji Mketo, Acting Deputy Secretary-General of ACT Wazalendo Mainland, and Mr. Faustine Sungura representing NCCR-Mageuzi
This strategic meeting underscored the importance of regional cooperation in democratic governance, highlighting how shared experiences and collective efforts in fortifying the democratic frameworks in Tanzania and Malawi. Through such engagements, both leaders of political partiers aimed at enhancing their political landscapes, ensuring that democratic principles and practices are upheld for the betterment of their citizens.