Browsing by Author "Mukandala, Neema Kokutangilila"

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    Analysis of the election support project (ESP) to free and fair election: the case of 2010 Zanzibar General Elections
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2014) Mukandala, Neema Kokutangilila
    The study examines the 2010 general elections in Zanzibar and attempts which were made by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote free and fair elections by introducing the Electoral Support Project (ESP). The study examines the extent to which the project’s contribution promoted free and fair elections in the 2010 elections. The study was guided by two research questions:- (a) To what extent were the 2010 general elections in Zanzibar free and fair? And (b) In what ways did the donor support through the ESP promote free and fair elections in the 2010 general elections? The study employed a qualitative method based on the case study research design to analyze its findings. The findings show that the ESP had some impact in improving the conduct of free and fair elections. However the newly introduced law which required citizens to possess Zanzibar identity card in order to be registered disenfranchised a significant number of potential voters. Another critical problem was that civic education was only limited to urban areas, preventing a large number of citizens from attaining electoral knowledge. Lastly, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) failed to implement its activities on time due to the delay of the funds to run its activities. Besides, it was perceived as not independent. The study recommends that the law should be amended to allow an inclusive procedure for registering voters. On the other hand, voter education should be extended to the rural areas in order to enhance awareness and knowledge on election. Finally, ZEC’s budget should be controlled by an independent board to allow an effective implementation of its activities. Moreover, ZEC’s Commissioners should be appointed transparently.