Advocate Madeleka: Police lack legal Authority to issue permits for political rallies

[McLaren]

Advocate Peter Madeleka has stated that there is no law in Tanzania granting the Police Force the authority to issue or deny permits for public rallies organized by political parties.​

Clarifying the legal framework, Madeleka explained that under the country's laws, political parties are not required to seek permission when organizing public gatherings. Their only legal obligation is to notify the police in advance so that the force can coordinate necessary security and safety measures.

The prominent lawyer pointed to Section 43 of the Police Force and Auxiliary Services Act (Chapter 322 of the Laws of Tanzania), noting that the provision clearly outlines this notification procedure and entirely omits the concept of a "permit."

Stressing his legal interpretation, Madeleka stated:
"There is absolutely no law in Tanzania that empowers the Police Force to issue permits."

He went on to emphasize the point, adding:

Let me repeat. There is no law within the United Republic of Tanzania that grants the Police Force the mandate to issue permits to political parties so they can hold public rallies.""Nowhere in that law is the word 'permit' mentioned—implying that the police have the authority to grant or deny a permit to any political party wishing to hold public rallies."