The People’s President? Citizens’ assessment and expectations of the fifth phase government :: Sauti za Wananchi :: Publications

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When citizens were asked to name actions by President Magufuli’s that they approve of, more than six out of ten mentioned the removal of ghost workers (69%), free education (67%) and the dismissal of public servants (61%). When asked to name actions that they disapprove of, three out of ten (32%) mentioned the sugar import ban and price directive. However six out of ten citizens (58%) say that they do not disapprove of any of his actions. Overall approval ratings for President Magufuli are at 96%. This is comparable to approval ratings for previous Tanzanian presidents. Other government leaders also have high levels of approval although none as high as the President. Citizens report that they approve or strongly approve of their village / street chairperson (78%), their local councilor (74%) and their MP (68%)

These findings were released by Twaweza in a research brief titled The People’s President? Citizens’ assessment and expectations of the fifth phase government. The brief is based on data from Sauti za Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative high-frequency mobile phone survey. The findings are based on data collected from 1,813 respondents across Mainland Tanzania (Zanzibar is not covered in these results) between 4 and 20 June 2016.

In addition to strong approval ratings, nine out of ten citizens (88%) are confident that President Magufuli can maintain his current momentum until the end of his term.

The majority of citizens also report that they think there have been improvements in almost all public services under the fifth phase government. The Tanzania Revenue Authority leads as 85% of citizens say services there are improved under the new government. Citizens also think services are better in schools (75%), police stations (74%), courts (73%), health facilities (72%) and water service providers (67%). It is important to note that these data show citizens’ perceptions of services and do not necessarily represent any hard improvements. Similarly, almost all citizens (95%) say that civil servants in service delivery, like doctors and teachers, as well as administrative civil servants have become more accountable and efficient.