The Role of Civil Society in the 2005 General Elections in Tanzania

Abstract

This article looks at the extent to which the civil society in Tanzania has managed to influence multiparty elections since 1995. First, it points out that real multiparty democracy, particularly in the context of people-centred democracy, can only be delivered with meaningful involvement of the civil society. Then it proceeds to discuss the conceptualization of the civil society. The point of emphasis here is its position and characteristics. In terms of position, the civil society constitutes organizations between the state on one hand, and families and individuals on the other. In terms of characteristics, among the most important is the relationship between the civil society and the state. The study also presents an historical perspective of the development of the civil society during the colonial period, the post-independence period under oneparty
system, and the period of democratization from around 1990 to the present. Finally, it discusses the role of the civil society during the 2005 general elections. What is observed here is fact that, compared to the elections of 1995 and 2000, there was an indication of the beginning of officially involving the civil society in the democratic process of elections in the country.