The Right to Vote in Tanzania Multiparty Elections: Lessons from Nyerere’s Perspective

Abstract

This study discusses the right to vote in Tanzanian multiparty elections in line with Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s  [hereinafter  “Mwalimu”] perspective on multiparty democracy and elections in Tanzania. The study further seeks to examine how Mwalimu’s  perspective, would foster democracy in Tanzania. Accordingly, survey of accessibility of the right to vote in Tanzania was conducted. The  study shows that Mwalimu’s perspective on this regard generates lessons that enhance democracy in Tanzania. However, there are some  challenges. They include, but not limited to, problems associated with voting process, problems associated with eligibility of voters,  and problems associated with voting methods. This is because, not every voter, due to circumstances (which can be successfully  dealt with by the electoral laws) beyond their control, gain an opportunity to vote in general elections. The author employed observation  method in obtaining primary data. But also, documentary review to access both primary and secondary data. These methods has been  useful as has enabled the author to see how democracy is practised in Tanzania, and also, to peruse various laws and publications  relevant to this study. It is recommended in this work that electoral laws need to be amended to accommodate various voters.  Additionally, the Tanzania National Electoral Commission and the Zanzibar Electoral Commission need to find appropriate voting  methods that can be successful applied to accommodate majority of voters. The found methods shall be incorporated in the electoral  laws.