Voter apathy: What should be done ahead of 2024/25 polls

The increasing disconnection between citizens and the electoral process poses a serious threat to the democratic fabric of the nation.

Without active and widespread participation, elections risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative events in shaping the nation’s future.

Speaking to The Citizen, a political analyst at the Open University of Tanzania, Dr Revocatus Kabobe, said that improving voter education is vital in tackling the root causes of voter apathy.

He emphasises that many citizens, particularly the youth, lack an understanding of the importance of their vote in shaping the country’s political future.

“Voter education campaigns need to focus on explaining citizens’ influence on national and local governance through their vote. More importantly, we must address the fact that many people, especially in rural areas, are still not fully aware of how elections work or how they can participate,” says Dr Kabobe.

He also highlights the importance of engaging first-time voters.

“Youth participation is key, and targeted campaigns are essential to engage young people and make them realize that elections impact their daily lives,” Dr Kabobe adds.

He reveals that campaigns can capture the attention of this demographic by utilizing platforms such as social media and music, which resonate with younger generations.

According to Dr Kabobe, political disillusionment remains one of the main drivers of voter apathy in Tanzania.

Many citizens perceive political parties as corrupt or ineffective, which erodes their motivation to vote.

“We need to re-establish the connection between political parties and the electorate,” Dr Kabobe suggests.

He stresses that political parties must address this disillusionment by presenting clear, actionable policies.

“Voters are more likely to engage in the electoral process if they see that political parties are addressing the issues that matter to them, such as youth unemployment and economic growth,” he explains.

He highlights the impact of misinformation in spreading voter apathy. “Misinformation damages the electoral process because it confuses voters and fosters distrust in the system. We need to launch media literacy campaigns that teach voters how to discern credible information from fake news,” he advises.

With similar sentiments, the political scientist at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Paul Loisulie, supports expanding civic education across Tanzania, focusing particularly on the youth.

“A substantial portion of Tanzania’s population is young, and if we fail to involve them, we risk further alienating this group from the political process. Engaging young voters early on is key to securing higher turnout in the upcoming elections,” Dr Loisulie argues.

He also stresses that campaigns must be both informative and engaging.

“The content of these campaigns needs to move beyond just explaining how to vote. We need to show voters the direct impact elections have on issues they care about—education, jobs, and healthcare,” Dr Loisulie suggests.

He believes that political parties need to actively listen to the concerns of their constituencies.

“Political leaders must understand that their relationship with voters is not just about securing power. They must engage with the public, show they care about solving their problems, and present realistic solutions,” he says.

He also suggests that policy-based campaigns, rather than personality-driven ones, are key to restoring trust in politics.

“A policy-oriented campaign shows voters that a party has a clear vision for the country and is not just focused on individual interests,” he adds.

He believes that combating misinformation requires a multi-pronged approach.

“Fact-checking initiatives should be central to any effort to address misinformation. This would involve media houses working together with the Electoral Commission to monitor and debunk false claims,” he suggests.

He also calls for greater regulation of political communication during election periods.

“The Electoral Commission should ensure that political parties do not spread misleading information during campaigns, and swift action should be taken against those who do,” he says.

For his part, the political analyst at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Onesmo Kyauke, argues that restoring trust in Tanzania’s electoral process is crucial for increasing voter turnout.

He explains that, in recent years, many Tanzanians have grown disillusioned with the fairness of elections.

“To restore trust, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must demonstrate transparency at every step, from voter registration to the announcement of results,” Dr Kyauke says.

He highlights that the lack of clarity and transparency often breeds scepticism among voters.

Dr Kyauke further suggests that including independent election observers from reputable domestic and international organizations can ensure a level of scrutiny that will help restore voter confidence.

“Election observers play an essential role in verifying the electoral process, and their presence can act as a safeguard against fraud,” he explains.

A political analyst at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Pro Makame Ali Ussi, agrees that transparency is vital in restoring confidence in the electoral process.

He emphasizes the need for consistent communication from the NEC to the public.

“If the Electoral Commission can maintain a transparent and open line of communication, ensuring that the public knows exactly how votes are being counted, it can go a long way in alleviating concerns over election fairness,” he argues.

Moreover, Prof Ussi underscores the importance of the NEC demonstrating a commitment to fairness.

“It is not just about ensuring free and fair elections on Election Day; it’s about the entire process—making sure that voters have faith in the system long before they cast their ballots,” he says.

He echoes the call for improving logistical support for voters.

“We need to ensure that Election Day runs smoothly, with sufficient resources and staff at polling stations. Voters should be able to cast their ballots quickly and without facing unnecessary delays,” Prof Ussic argues.

He also points to the need for secure transportation of electoral materials to rural areas.

“To avoid delays, election logistics must be well-organized. In rural areas, we should provide transportation to ensure polling stations are equipped and ready well before voting begins,” he adds.