Supervision of Local Government Elections in Tanzania: The Plight for Independent Electoral Organs

Abstract

Local government elections provide an opportunity for
people to choose their immediate leaders at the grass-root
level. They are means to ensure democracy at such levels.
Prompted by events and results of the 2019 local
government elections, this study examines the efficiency of
the existing laws and regulations on local government
elections in ensuring free and fair elections. The results
point out to lack of independence and neutrality of election
supervisory bodies at the said levels. The study
recommends review of the whole election system at grassroot
level in order to ensure free and fair elections.

Key Terms: Local Government Elections, Election Supervision,
Independence of Election Supervisors