Strengthening the Electoral Process and Democracy in Tanzania

This project aims to strengthen democratic electoral processes in the lead-up to the constitutional referendum (2014) and the general elections (2015). The project aims to increase the effectiveness of election management bodies and other key democratic institutions increase civic participation and engagement in political and electoral processes and prevent election-related conflict. Strengthened electoral processes lead to an enhanced democratic environment economic growth and stability in Tanzania. Some project activities include: (i) supporting the National Electoral Commission in updating election regulations and guidelines; (ii) supporting dialogue between the electoral management bodies civil society organizations media and political parties to improve the legal and institutional framework for democratic and inclusive elections in Tanzania; (iii) supporting skills and capacity development for women youth and people with disabilities as potential candidates and party leaders; (iv) promoting public awareness on gender equality and women's empowerment through community dialogue and voter education; and (v) providing human rights and gender awareness training for the police.

The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (i) enhanced effectiveness of the election management bodies and other key democratic institutions to plan and manage electoral processes; (ii) increased civic participation and engagement in political and electoral processes particularly by women youth and marginalized groups; and (iii) improved prevention and management of election-related conflict.