The United Republic of Tanzania (URT) held its sixth multiparty general elections in October 2020. After political liberalisation and the re-introduction of multiparty democracy in 1992, the first competitive general elections were held in 1995 and subsequently in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. In each of these multiparty elections, the mass media have been playing a critical coverage role.
This report examines media performance during the 2020 General Elections and the extent to which it served the public interest. In other words, it sought to establish the extent to which the media promoted journalistic culture and supported democratic and responsible coverage of elections. It assessed the coverage of 14 newspapers, 14 radio stations, and five (5) television stations and focused on three elective positions—the Presidents (Union and Zanzibar), Members of Parliament and House of Representatives, and Councillors.