The role of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) in strengthening democratic participation through elections : a comparative study of Tanzania and Ghana

Abstract

The study analyses how the Electoral Management Bodies of Tanzania and Ghana work to enhance citizen participation amid declining voter turnout. It finds that although both EMBs are legally mandated to promote participation, they remain largely focused on administrative tasks, with limited civic engagement, weak gender responsiveness, and declining public trust due to perceived partisanship. Ghana’s framework is comparatively stronger, yet key collaborations remain underutilised. The study recommends dedicated participation strategies, stronger legal safeguards, gender mainstreaming, improved grassroots and media engagement, youth-focused registration reforms, enhanced transparency, and greater use of technology to strengthen inclusive democratic participation.