The Tanzanian government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to research organisation Twaweza to explain why legal action should not be taken against it for allegedly conducting a survey without a permit.
In a letter, the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (Costech) wants Twaweza to state why it should not be punished for conducting a survey dubbed ‘Sauti za Wananchi’.
The survey revealed that President John Magufuli’s popularity rating has plunged by 41 per cent in two years.
“You are hereby required to show cause within seven days from the date of this letter, why appropriate legal actions should not be taken against your organisation by relevant authority,” the letter, dated July 9, 2018 and signed by Costech acting director-general Amos Nung, reads in part.
According to the letter, Costech database shows that Twaweza had applied for research clearance for four projects, noting that while one project had been completed, three were progressing.
The letter says the commission, which clears research activities in Tanzania, did not have information and records on ‘Sauti za Wananchi’ project.
“The publication is violation of Section 11 of the National Research Registration and Research Guidelines by failure to register a research project with Costech,” reads the letter in part.
When contacted, a Twaweza official, who introduced herself as Pamela, confirmed the organisation had received the letter.
“Unfortunately, the executive director, Mr Aidan Eyakuze, has travelled outside the country and the person who is acting his position has an emergency and he will be in office tomorrow,” she said over the telephone.
Credit: THE CITIZEN
