This paper analyzed voting and poverty trends in Tanzania from 1990 to the 2010 general
elections. It used documentary and historical trends to collect and analyze relevant data. Findings
show that basic needs poverty has declined from 47% to 21% in urban areas, and 33% in rural
areas. In the same period, the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi1
(CCM) has lost about 35%
support but enjoys considerable followings in regions with high incidences of basic needs poverty,
although even in these areas elections are becoming increasingly competitive. Furthermore, while
the ruling party, CCM appear to lose support, its macro economy policies have steered the
economy to grow at an average of 5.8% per year in the review period but growth failed to reduce
basic needs poverty in rural areas. Experts predict a sustained economic growth in the near future,
but skeptical on poverty reduction. This paper recommends that for any party to enjoy sustainable
support it will have to address woes of rural voters. Given the increases access to media and civil
societies, it will no longer be possible to rely on ignorance of rural voters to win elections.