“This paper aims to contribute towards a better understanding of dissent and its role in democracy. The challenge for governments is to manage dissent in such a way that it remains within levels that are regarded as
legitimate and normal for healthy democracies and to prevent it from developing into violence and terrorism. In addition to considering the Tanzanian example, this paper also briefly looks at Pagad in South Africa and at the political situation in Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Mauritius. It concludes with observations on why states react differently to dissent and points to some pitfalls that ought to be avoided.”
