(Jordan University College, 2011-12) Masabo, Conrad John
Though it is true that elections alone do not guarantee proper functioning of democracies, they are the most convenient means of effecting orderly political successions of office bearers. But for elections to become credible instruments to political succession its adherence to the rules of the game as well as procedures which had been agreed upon by players themselves. In that regard the constitutional and legal framework governing the electoral processes have been always central and among the fundamental issues during elections. They thus constitute most important decrees in setting conditions under which elections are conducted in a country. This paper sets forth to critically assess the functioning of important electoral institutions in Tanzania. Specific attention is on whether The Election Expenses Act, 2010 have improved the conduct of the 2010 Zanzibar and Union Elections as opposed to those of 1995, 2000 and 2005 respectively in reducing corruption and election related corrupt practices.