*Directorate of Graduate Studies, University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania
**Department of Rural Development and Regional Planning, Institute of Rural Development Planning, P.O. Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania
***Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Community Development- Tumaini University, P.O. Box 200, Iringa, Tanzania
Online published on 21 November, 2013.
This study was carried out to identify the shocks that have been facing the practice of a multi-party democracy since the dawn of the first general elections in 1995 and the subsequent periods. A number of respondents were obtained using both random and purposive sampling. The respondents were representatives from the public, academic institutions and political offices that made a total of 103 within Dodoma Urban area which is a political center of Tanzanian Politics. The study found that the practice of a multi-party democracy in Tanzania encounters a number of shocks that range from corruption issues and lack of voters’ education. However, the study also found that the need for clear policy on voters’ education has been overlooked and consequently resulting into a variety of political irregularities and misconducts in the electoral process. This study recommends that voters’ education should be given due weight and should not wait for election phases. The tightening of electoral regulations should be given serious eye and those found guilty should seriously be taken to court. These shall enhance positive practice of a multi-party democracy in Tanzania.
Multiparty system, policy, democracy, politics, voters, political shocks, electoral commission
