LOW VOTER TURNOUT IN TANZANIA: CAUSES AND REMEDIES The Case of Multiparty General Elections and Parliamentary By-elections

Voting is considered the most important form of political participation in a democracy. However, in recent years most election reports have indicated a fall of voter turnout in elections in both new and established democracies. This implies low citizens’ political participation. To a newly democratizing countries like Tanzania the persistence of the problem is not a good indication in the struggle to build a democratic society. This may affect the process of building democracy, its sustainability and development. Tanzania re-introduced competitive multiparty democracy in 1992 after a period of 30 years of monopolistic single party regime. Since then Tanzania has held three general elections, four civic elections and fourteen parliamentary by-elections. While general elections have enjoyed a voter turnout of above 60%, civic and parliamentary by-elections have suffered a low voter turnout of less than 30% in some elections. By comparison therefore, the problem is greater in parliamentary by-elections and in civic elections than in general elections. However, there are indications that voter turnout may continue to fall in all next elections unless remedial measures are taken to reverse the situation as this study recommends. This study asserts that low voter turnout poses a threat to the efforts of building democracy and if this problem is not addressed the process will take much longer time to achieve the objectives of democracy. This research presents theoretical and practical explanations of low voter turnout which is caused by both institutional and socio-political factors. These include, EMB independence and competence, the public trust and confidence in political, electoral laws and processes, electoral and party systems, lack of viable alternative party or candidate to the incumbent, to mention but a few. It also looks at the implications of voter turnout in the democratization process and finally proposes for remedial measures to be taken in order to increase voter participation in elections. This can be done by reforming electoral systems and laws, increasing stakeholder participation as well as introducing vigorous civic and voter education. Other forms include direct democracy, participating in campaigns, joining political parties and interest groups and contesting for an office ( a) International IDEA: Voter Turnout Since 1945: A Global Report http://www.idea.int/publications/vt/upload/VT_screenopt_2002.pdf Accessed on 4 November 2010 (b) EISA Voter Turnout Statistics http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/comturnout.htm Accessed on 4 November 2010 General election in Tanzania involves election of the president, MPs and ward councillors. Relevance to Development Studies Politics determine quality of policies and the exploitation and allocation of resources. Political leaders that are elected are a key in making laws and policies regarding the use and allocation of such resources which in the process positively or negatively affects the whole society on one hand and individual per-son’s life on the other. Elections are one of the most effective means through which citizens control government operations and authorities. On this note therefore, elections as both a democratic process and an institution are important for development. In order for development to be realized at all levels of life, socially, economically and politically the society needs quality, responsible and accountable leaders. In a democracy these leaders can be obtained through a free and fair election. Democratically elected leaders enjoy citizen’s support and they both collaboratively work to realize their development goals. On the other hand, citizens can also hold leaders accountable to them as well as having the power to decide how public funds and the available resources should be used in order to realize their development goals.