Providing security during the 2015 Tanzania general election: the case of Kawe constituency.

This research paper analyses the ability of the security forces to ensure peace and security in Kawe constituency during the 2015 general election. It is based on four research objectives, which are: 1). To understand the roles that the police, military, and intelligence services were supposed to play during the 2015 general elections, 2). To understand and evaluate the relationship between security forces and political parties and other key actors (National Electoral Commission, observers, media, regional and district officials, regional and district security committees) in the 2015 general elections, 3). To understand the security challenges faced by the security forces during the 2015 general election in Kawe constituency, and 4). Evaluate how the security forces responded to those challenges and to advocate for appropriate measures that can be taken by the security forces to improve peace and security during elections. Findings show three major challenges facing the security forces. First, many political party leaders extended the time used for campaigns, past official hours, and this led to police interventions. Second, some of the political leaders had negative perceptions and attitudes towards police on security provision. The third was a delay in announcing election results that raised fear on the part of opposition over vote rigging. Furthermore, the study has indicated important areas where electoral stakeholders cooperated such as scheduling campaign meetings, though there was an inconvenience for some of political parties in using the campaign grounds, which led to violence from members of the rival parties. This research concludes with recommendation on how to improve peace and security during elections. Good governance, rule of law, special guidelines given to all electoral stakeholders and improved working environment for electoral officials during elections as well as a new constitution would greatly reduce tensions. Finally, civilians, religious leaders, faith based organisations, human rights defenders and other stakeholders should be actively involved in electoral security.