An ivestigation to the decline of voter turnout and its implication to democratization process in Tanzania a case study of Arumeru East by-election in April, 2012

No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The study significantly aimed at investigating the reasons for decline of voter turnout in Tanzania and its implication to democratization process. The study was carried out at Arumeru East constituency in Arusha Region where qualitative method was used, guided by research questions to obtain the stipulated research objectives. The study sample was comprised of 55 respondents. The study has focused on the causes for decline of voter turnout in Tanzania, and the extent it affects the growth of democracy. The study was guided by number of theories, Cultural, Social-Economic, Political Institution Approach and Political Process Approach which used to investigate the reasons for decline of voter turnout and its implication to democratization process.The research findings revealed that the decline of voter turnout in Tanzania is a serious challenge which threatens the survival of the democratic system. The findings have unfolded that low voters’ education, lack of accountability and transparency of government and political parties to the electorates, and disputed electoral rules and electoral bodies are what cause the decrease of voter turnout. It was also disclosed that this tendency has a depressing impact on the growth of democracy in Tanzania where only a small group of people can decide the fate of millions of citizens through balloting. The study recommends that, the government, political parties and other election stake-holders should strongly involved in civic and voters’ education, and a winner in an election to get above 50% of all registered voters, rather than all votes casted. Moreover it is also recommended that civic and voter’s education to be incorporated into teaching curriculum in primary and secondary schools by introducing a special subject dealing with election and democracy. And lastly the study recommends for electoral legal reforms to grant electorates with ‘’right of recall’’ in case elected leaders fail to deliver.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF JQ3519.A5M7338)
Keywords
Elections, Democracy, Arumeru East by- election, Politics and Government, Tanzania, Voter turnout
Citation
Msuya, I.R. (2014) An ivestigation to the decline of voter turnout and its implication to democratization process in Tanzania a case study of Arumeru East by-election in April, 2012, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam