The Role of Religion in the 2005 General Elections in Zanzibar

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the positive role of the religious opinion-shapers in peace building initiatives, to examine religious factors and to establish strategies used in facilitating peaceful election. 1t was organized in live chapters whereby chapter one covered an introductory part, chapter two focused on literature review, chapter three presented methodology, chapter four concerned with data presentation and analysis while chapter five consisted conclusion and recommendations. The study conducted by using descriptive design. Purposeful sample technique used to collect data from sample size of 80 respondents from religious stakeholders and other electoral stakeholders who cooperated with religious opinion shapers. Information gathered by questionnaires and in-depth interviews was analyzed by coding, editing, classification and presented by rabies and figures. Religious opinion-shapers included religious leaders, Faith Based Organizations, activists, scholars, media and teachers who contributed in electoral peace making. The study found that the religious opinion shapers were motivated by religious factors and their perfect ethical standards in their operational approach to conflict management and transformation