The practice of youth participation in local government elections. Preliminary evidence from Mwanza city, Tanzania

Abstract

Worldwide it has been reported the challenge of the decline of youth political participation in democratic elections. Hence the study aims to investigate the practice of local government elections among youth in Mwanza City Tanzania East Africa. A snowball sampling technique was applied to select 123 youths as a sample in study areas. Quantitative data was collected by using an interview schedule and qualitative data were collected by using Focus Group Discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and qualitative data was analyzed by using content analysis. The study findings showed that youth competence, especially knowledge of technical know-how and financial resources, affected the practice of youth participation in local government elections. The study concludes that the possession of financial resources and knowledge by youth are important practices in local government elections Therefore, the study recommends policymakers and political parties provide training on elections regulations and financial resources to support youth practices in local government elections.