Article, 2024

Public trust in elections: the case of Zanzibar

SN Social Sciences, ISSN 2662-9283, Volume 4, 4, Page 81, 10.1007/s43545-024-00881-1

Contributors

Elklit, Jørgen [1] Makulilo, Alexander Boniface 0000-0002-0546-2269 (Corresponding author) [2] [3] Henry, Rodrick 0000-0003-1420-6045 [3]

Affiliations

  1. [1] Aarhus University
    2. [NORA names: AU Aarhus University; University; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
  2. [2] Arnold-Bergstraesser—Institute, Windausstr. 16, DE-79110, Freiburg, Germany
    3. [NORA names: Germany; Europe, EU; OECD];
  3. [3] University of Dar es Salaam
    4. [NORA names: Tanzania; Africa]

Abstract

Trust in elections contributes significantly to legitimizing democracy, reducing inter-group political conflict, and promoting peace. Yet, election management bodies are critical in shaping public trust in elections, not least in deeply divided societies. Since the return of multiparty democracy in Zanzibar, election results, save for the 2010 elections and referendum, have been contested. This paper contributes to the study of this topic by analyzing how the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) impacts on public trust in elections. We investigate how ZEC’s institutional design and conduct shape public perceptions towards elections. Using models of election management bodies and election observation reports for previous elections, we argue that public trust in elections is declining owing to the ZEC factor, thus exacerbating the Isles’ political conflicts. The findings of this study resonate well with demands for electoral management reforms to enhance the trustworthiness of elections in deeply divided societies.

Keywords

Commission, Electoral Commission, Isles, Zanzibar, body, case of Zanzibar, cases, conflict, democracy, design, divided societies, election, election management bodies, election observation, election results, factors, findings, impact, institutional design, legitimate democracy, management bodies, management reform, model, multiparty democracy, observations, peace, perception, political conflict, promote peace, public perception, public trust, referendum, reform, results, return, shape, shape public perceptions, shaping public trust, society, study, trust, trustworthiness

Data Provider: Digital Science

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