Nyerere’s Perspectives on Democracy: Women’s Participation in Multiparty Elections in Tanzania

Abstract

Elections are an important part of any democratic system. In many elections across the globe women are key players in the electoral  process and indeed often the determining factor in elections. The role of women in elections is of increasing importance in Tanzania, as  evidenced in the country’s general elections in 1995 – 2015 under the multiparty system. This paper offers an opportune moment to  reflect on how Tanzania can and is transforming the role of women from passive players into a dynamic force for change for change and  democracy. While reflecting on Nyerere’s perspectives on democracy, this paper undertakes a critical examination of the role of women  in elections with the aim of highlighting factors which influence voting behavior. The paper argues that, women can become a key player  in addressing the encounters for a force to a flourishing democracy if gender equality can be upheld to give space for the ability of  women to participate in the political process. In the end, the paper explores what we can learn from Mwalimu.