An investigation of the causes and impact of vote buying in elections in Tanzania a case study of Ilala municipal council, Dar es salaam

This study investigated the causes and impact of vote buying in elections in Tanzania, the case being Ilala Municipality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors which fuel vote buying practices and its impact in elections in Tanzania. Data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires and documentary reviews. Research instruments were administered in six wards whereby twelve mitaa were randomly selected as representative in Ilala Municipal Council. The study’s analysis was done basing on fifty two out of sixty respondents – thirty six ordinary citizens, twelve mitaa leaders, six ward executive officers, four political party leaders, one NEC officer and one election officer from LHRC. Data discrepancy was caused by unreturned questionnaires by some absent respondents in their homes, offices and business centres. The study found out that there is a significant relationship between poverty, lack of civic education and vote buying practices in elections in Tanzania. Specifically, the study found out that, there is a close link between poverty and vote buying in elections. On the other hand, the study found out that lack of civic education fuels vote buying practices as many people are unable to forecast the impact of selling their votes. Additionally, impact of takrima in the society perpetuates electoral corruption and weaknesses of anti-corruption institutions were other factors associated with increasing corruption in elections. Secondly, the study revealed that use of ten cells’ leaders, use of secret meeting and groups such women and youths were among the strategies used to facilitate vote buying in elections. From the findings of the study, it is recommended that the government should provide subsidies to all political parties which have ensured participation in elections in order to reduce electoral corruption. Also, the government should improve social services to ensure standards of life to reduce poverty level in the society. Finally, the study recommends that fighting vote buying in elections in Tanzania need mutual efforts of government, political parties and non-governmental organizations in order to get rid of these vices.