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Public Perception of Political Opinion Polls and Their Influence on People’s Voting Behavior: The Case of Mwanza City Residents

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  • Samwel Mwita Gasuku

Abstract

This study focuses on the influence of public perceptions of political opinion polls on people’s voting behavior in Mwanza city and the role of Tanzanian media in creating awareness about political opinion polls. The study uses a descriptive paradigm and a qualitative case study design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for key informants and focus group discussions. The study concludes that, although polling is a new phenomenon in Tanzania, the level of awareness of polls is high among Mwanza City residents and they hold a variety of positions regarding the accuracy of the polls. The study highlights why journalists need to be trained on how to report poll-related stories to avoid false conclusions because they have become a major source of news.

Suggested Citation

  • Samwel Mwita Gasuku, 2023. "Public Perception of Political Opinion Polls and Their Influence on People’s Voting Behavior: The Case of Mwanza City Residents," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(2), pages 21582440231, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:13:y:2023:i:2:p:21582440231174167
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440231174167
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Macdonald, 2018. "Age and gender voting trends in the 2015 Tanzanian general election," Journal of Eastern African Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 44-62, January.
    2. Marsh, Catherine, 1985. "Back on the Bandwagon: The Effect of Opinion Polls on Public Opinion," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 15(1), pages 51-74, January.
    3. Jean-François Daoust & Claire Durand & André Blais, 2020. "Are Pre-Election Polls More Helpful than Harmful? Evidence from the Canadian Case," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 46(1), pages 175-186, March.
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