Citizen participation in multiparty elections in Tanzania

This study is about the Citizen Participation in Multiparty Elections in Tanzania. It specifically examines the domestic reasons that contributed to low voter turnout in the 2009 Biharamulo West By-Election. Drawing on interviews with central players and election reports and documents, the study demonstrated that the unfair political grounds, lack of civic education, irresponsibility of elected leaders, undemocratic model of political parties, congestion at polling stations due to poor arrangements and negative campaigning were the primary reasons for lower voter turnout in elections. The study demonstrated further that majority of citizens were denied their rights to participate in elections simply because of threats, violence and animosity. The low level of citizens’ civic competence was largely attributed to lack of national strategy for promoting civic education and weaknesses of political parties. Most citizens behaved in such a way that they were unaware of their voting rights. This study, recommends as follows: There is a need for a national strategy for promoting civic education in which NEC should be responsible for this. Also, political parties should be involved in providing voter education. Furthermore, code of ethics for election should be observed by all stake holders, that is, political parties, the government and the National Electoral Commission.