The politics of grassroots elections administration under multipartism in Tanzania: a case study of Dodoma municipal council
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Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study focused on management of grassroots elections under multipartism in Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to explore the principal sources of electoral malpractices, which undermine grassroots elections in Tanzania. Specifically, it examined whether the complaints/claims by opposition parties regarding management of those elections are based on facts or fictions and whether or not there were genuine efforts/measures to address cases of malpractices. The study involved a large section of documentary investigation or review and an important component of strategic interviews as the main sources of data.
The study found that the complaints/claims by opposition parties were based on facts and that there has been a systematic move by the incumbent government to weaken performance of opposition parties in those elections. This was in terms of regulations as well as behavioral patterns of ROs as wells AROs which in turn undermined grassroots elections at grassroots level.
The study also found out that the government lacked commitment to grassroots elections because there were no effectictive measures to address the cases of malpractices. Despite the fact that the government introduced some changes in 2009 elections regulations in order to improve management of elections, the study found out that those changes was firstly, a result of a very long struggle. Secondly in most cases, they were cosmetic changes because they did not address many cases of malpractices. Thirdly, the government circumvented election regulations in favour of the ruling party. The study recommends for review of legal framework so as to reflect free and fair elections. It also recommends for strengthening NEC so as to supervise grassroots elections or establish an independent electoral department in each district authority to supervise those elections. It also recommends for allocation of more funds to facilitate effective management of those elections. It further recommends for massive and continuous voter and civic education so as to empower citizens at grassroots level to actively participate in those elections as rational and informed beings.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF JS7697.73.M33)
Keywords
Local elections, Political parties, Politics and Government, Dodoma municipal council
Citation
Magoda, D. (2016) The politics of grassroots elections administration under multipartism in Tanzania: a case study of Dodoma municipal council. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.