Tanzania Votes: Youth Unemployment, Corruption Top Voter Concerns; Electoral Dispute Continues

A discussion with:
The Honorable Mark Green
President
International Republican Institute
Former Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania
US Department of State

Gretchen Birkle
Director, Africa Division
International Republican Institute 

Wenceslaus Mushi
Conflict-Sensitive Journalism Trainer
Internews
Chief Sub-Editor, The Guardian (Dar es Salaam)

Moderated by:
J. Peter Pham
Director, Africa Center
Atlantic Council 

On October 25, Tanzanians went to the polls in the most hotly contested general election since the country's independence. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and its candidate John Magufuli went head-to-head against former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa, running on the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) ticket.

Tanzania's electoral commission has declared Magufuli the winner with 58 percent of the vote, although the opposition has yet to concede. Moreover, election results in Zanzibar were annulled due to what the islands' electoral chief called "gross irregularities." The US Department of State said it was "gravely alarmed" by the decision, and tensions in the islands remain high. 

In August, the International Republican Institute (IRI) released new polling data that found overwhelming support from Zanzibaris for addressing corruption, the needs of youth and women, and supporting independent media. The country's new government will now have to address these high expectations while ensuring peaceful resolution of the electoral crisis in Zanzibar.

Please join the Atlantic Council's Africa Center and IRI for a de-brief on Tanzania's election and an update on the situation in Zanzibar. The event is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and will take place at the Atlantic Council (1030 15th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC). A light lunch will be served.