Tanzania, United Republic of
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: Subject to the other provisions of this Article, the United Republic shall be demarcated into constituencies of such number and in such manner as shall be determined by the Electoral Commission after obtaining the consent of the President
Source: Section 75(1) of Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 11:22:47 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
e. Geographic size of district
g. Other
Comments: In demarcating the boundaries of constituencies, the Electoral Commission shall take due account of the availability of means of communication also the geographical conditions of the area intended demarcation into constituencies.
Source: Section 75(3) of Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 11:29:53 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
d. Electoral management body
Comments: Subject to the other provisions of this Article, the United Republic shall be demarcated into constituencies of such number and in such manner as shall be determined by the Electoral Commission after obtaining the consent of the President
Source: Section 75(1) of Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 11:56:46 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Dr. Ludeki Chweya
b. Job Title: Research associate
c. Organisation: African Centre For Economic Growth-ACEG
d. Contact Address. p.o box 1559 00606 Nairobi.
e. Telephone: +254 20 3754541/3754540/0721421866
f. Facsimile: 254 20 3754541
g. Email: aceg@aceg.org
Last updated: 2005-08-22 10:31:44 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
Last updated: 2006-07-09 16:15:16 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-05 17:31:07 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution National Election Commission
b. Full Address Electoral Com, P.O. Box 10923,Ghana/Ohio Street,6th and 7th floor, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
c. Telephone +255 22 2114963 - 6
d. Facsimile +255 22 2116740; 2113382; 2129825
e. Email director@nec.go.tz
f. Website Address http://www.nec.go.tz/
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Justice L.M Makame
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English and Kiswahili
Source: NEC website contacts page http://www.nec.go.tz/contact.asp?menu=sub10
Last updated: 2007-09-17 10:13:09 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Source: Election Act, article 33, 52 Local Government (District) Authorities Act 1982, Local Government (Urban) Authorities Act 1982.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 11:18:20 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
g. Other
Comments: For the better carrying out of its functions, the Electoral Commission shall be an autonomous department, and its chief executive shall be the Director of Elections who shall be appointed and shall discharge duties accordance with a law enacted by Parliament.
Source: Section 74(7) of Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 11:18:20 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
Comments: legislative public accounts committees
Source: Section 74(7) of Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 11:13:12 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: upon the expiration of five years since his appointment,
Source: Section 74(4)a of Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 11:18:20 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 12:38:13 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 1
Last updated: 2007-09-17 10:13:09 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The president is the Head of State & government; and also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Source: Chapter 2 sec 33(2),sec 38(1)and sec 41(6) Tanazania constitution.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 07:46:12 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Any candidate contesting for the office of President shall be declared duly elected President only if he has obtained more than half of all the valid votes cast or, where a second ballot is held for the reason that no candidate obtained more than half of all the valid votes, if he obtains either more than half of all valid votes cast or more votes than any of the other candidates.
Source: Chapter 2 sec41(6) of Tanzania Constitution.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 07:52:24 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: There shall be a President of the United Republic.
Source: chapter 2 sec 33(1)
Last updated: 2007-09-17 07:57:00 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: Legislative power in relation to all Union Matters and also in relation to all other matters concerning Mainland Tanzania is hereby vested in Parliament
Source: chapter 3 sec 64(1)
Last updated: 2007-09-17 08:50:07 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: Most members of parliament and local councils are elected through a single district plurality system.
Source: Chapter 3 sec66(1)
Last updated: 2007-09-17 08:50:07 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
b. Women - proportion of total seats (%) 15% of seats at parliamentary elections and 25% at local election
Last updated: 2007-09-17 07:46:12 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Source: chapter 3 section 74 (1) Tanzania constitution and Elections Act
Last updated: 2007-09-17 09:35:45 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
Source: Elections act, Chapter 2 sec 74(1) Tanzania Constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 09:04:37 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: Chapter 1 Sec 5(1) Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 09:08:21 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Dr. Ludeki Chweya
b. Job Title: Research associate
c. Organisation: African Centre For Economic Growth-ACEG
d. Contact Address: p.o box 1559 00606 Nairobi.
e. Telephone: +254 20 3754541/3754540/0721421866
f. Facsimile: +254 20 3754541
g. Email: aceg@aceg.org
Last updated: 2005-03-31 07:41:12 UTC
ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
a. Public radio
b. Private radio
c. Public television
d. Private television
e. Print media
Comments: Government agencies own shares in media corporations hence influence on editorial policies
Source: Seminar report: obstacles and challenges facing media in Tanzania
Last updated: 2005-03-31 07:45:34 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
a. a
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
a. section 114(1) Tanzania penal code(1945)
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
a. a
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. a
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
a. a
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Source: Elections act sec 53 (1)
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
a. Amount (Euros) no regulations
Comments: Not applicable
Source: Elections 2000 media monitoring Interim project report
Last updated: 2005-08-22 12:20:47 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
b. There are no laws in this regard X
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
b. The law does not specify any limits x
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
b. None Not Applicable
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
Source: Elections 2000 media monitoring Interim report
Last updated: 2005-03-31 09:49:33 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
a. ......... none
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:55:54 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
e. Minimum number of candidates
Last updated: 2007-09-17 14:05:11 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:56:11 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
h. Minimum level of education
i. Minimum level of literacy
j. Other
Comments: A person who wants to contest a parliamentary seat must meet the following qualifications: citizenship, aged above 21 years, can read and write English & kiswahili, a member candidate proposed by a political party, a person who has not been convicted by any court of the offense of evading tax, etc.
Source: A handbook of Tanzanian Electoral laws and regulations, (2000), p.30. Section 67 Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 14:05:11 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:00:15 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
f. Not applicable
Source: Section 39(2) Tanzania constitution.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:03:27 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Comments: All registered political parties which fielded contestants for the 1995 elections received government funds. Party contributions from other sources are regulated by Political Parties Act (1992).
Source: Country Profile: Tanzania Mainland, pp.15-16.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 14:02:46 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
e. Other
Comments: e) Based on the result of the present election.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:34:23 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section, both votes for the presidential and parliamentary elections cast at a polling station shall be counted at that polling station
Source: Electoral Act 1985, chapter 5, part II 70A (1),
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:11:40 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
c. Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
d. By request
f. Other
Comments: Equality of votes
Source: Elections act section 77 (1).
Last updated: 2007-09-17 13:15:44 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
h. Political parties/ candidates
j. Religious Institutions
k. Other
Comments: to provide voter education in Tanzania and co-ordinate and supervise persons who conduct such education.
Source: NEC website roles of the NEC http://www.nec.go.tz/aboutus.asp?maintitle=NEC%27s%20Roles&menu=sub1
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:04:00 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Country Profile: Tanzania Mainland, p.7.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Sep 2002 11:49:21 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
i. Yes, conducted by Political Parties/ Candidates
Comments: The efforts are first and foremost being made by the electoral commission as well as participating political parties.
Source: Country profile: Tanzania Mainland, p.8.
Last updated: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 10:29:27 GMT
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
b. At any polling station in the same voting district
i. By tendered ballot
Comments: Everyone who wishes to vote shall present himself at the polling station allocated to him in the polling district for which he is registered . The presiding officer may require any person to whom a tendered ballot paper is delivered...
Source: The United Republic of Tanzania: Elections Act # 1 of 1985, p.84. elections act section 55.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:41:18 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
g. Other
Comments: No provision.
Source: elections act section 61 (3) a.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:32:26 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: elections act section 61 (3) a.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:41:18 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No x
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:32:26 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Comments: a voter on receiving a ballot paper shall go immediately into one of the screened compartments in the polling station, secretly record his vote in the manner provided in paragraph (e), fold up the ballot paper so as to conceal his vote and shall then show to a polling assistant the back of the paper so as to reveal the official mark and shall then put the folded ballot paper into the ballot box;
Source: elections act section 61 d
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:41:18 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: Every citizen of Tanzania who has attained the age of eighteen years Qualificashall,unless he is disqualified by this or any other Act, be entitled to be tions for registration registered under and in accordance with the provisions of this Act as a voter.
Source: Election Act 1985 chapter 2 part 1 sec 10
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:27:45 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Comments: If a person is under declaration of alligiance to some country other than Tanzania.
Source: A Handbook ..., 4.1(a), p.21. elections act section 10.
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:27:45 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The National Electoral Commission co-ordinates the registration of voters
Source: section 74,6(d) Tanzania constitution
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:24:46 UTC
VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
b. No
Comments: Any person entitled to be registered as a voter at any polling district and who has not been so registered may present himself in cases where under the provisions of sub-section (1) facilities for registration are made available at polling districts, at the relevant polling district.
Source: Election Act 1985 sec 15(2)
Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:27:45 UTC
20/05/2008 07:20
