A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration (MPA) of Mzumbe University
The study is intended to assess the factors influencing voter’s turnout in Tanzania; a case of Ilala Municipal Council. A sample of 900 respondents were included as a study sample. Data collection methods used were questionnaires and interview as collection instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in tables full stop. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.
It is revealed that most voters appear in the presidential and parliamentary elections rather than by elections and local government elections. The study revealed the main factors to influence voter’s turnout at Ilala Municipal Council includes suitable electoral system, civic education, favorable registration system, and political stability. The study also revealed some strategies adopted to influence voter’s (voter) turnout at Ilala Municipal Council. These strategies include (s) to ensure voting convenience (nt), increased voting opportunities, easy access to (of) election information and public civic education. Moreover, the study revealed measures that are (to be) applicable to ensure voter’s (s) turnout at Ilala Municipal Council include allocation of enough financial resource, provision of civic education, proper electoral policies, open and fair election, and proper electronic voter registration.
It is concluded that civic education is essential to enhance and influence voter turnout at Ilala Municipal Council.
It is recommended that registration of voters should be a progressive process and not a party time, and legal framework should be reviewed to allow the level playing field for all stakeholders. The use coercive apparatuses by one party at the expense of the other are contrary to free and fair elections.