Exploring citizens’ perceptions on the roles of Members of Parliament in Tanzania: A case of Dodoma Municipality constituency

Dorothea Mdanku; Revocatus Kabobe; Emmanuel Mallya

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.44

Authors

Dorothea Mdanku The Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania Author
Revocatus Kabobe The Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6011-9041
Emmanuel Mallya The Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.44

Keywords:

Citizens, Constituency, Members of Parliament, Parliament, Perception

Abstract

This study explores citizens' perceptions of the roles of members of parliament in Tanzania, a case of the Dodoma municipality constituency. This study was guided by role theory, which was developed by Robert Merton in 1957. The study used the following specific objectives: to assess citizens' understanding of the roles of Members of Parliament in Tanzania, to identify the factors influencing citizens' perceptions of the roles of Members of Parliament in Tanzania, and to assess the level of citizen satisfaction with the performance of Members of Parliament in fulfilling their roles. The study was conducted at the Dodoma Municipality constituency, which encompasses the entire Dodoma electoral district. Focusing on a single, high-profile urban constituency allows for an in-depth exploration of how residents across income levels, occupational groups, and wards perceive and engage with their elected MPs. Insights gleaned here may later be compared with those from other municipal and rural constituencies in follow-up research between June 2024 and August 2025. The study adopted the interpretivism research philosophy, a qualitative approach, and an action research design. Purposeful and accidental samples yielded 36 participants, including six (6) Members of Parliament (MPs), 20 citizens, and 10 political party leaders. Interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used to collect data. The analysis of the study data using thematic findings revealed that perceptions of Members of Parliament (MPs) are heavily influenced by structural incentives, socioeconomic contexts, and the information ecosystem. These factors have perpetuated a “development banker” image of MPs whose primary role, in the public’s eyes, is delivering tangible goods rather than shaping policy or holding the executive to account. The study concluded that while most citizens recognize that MPs engage in lawmaking and debate, there remains a substantial gap in awareness of their oversight functions, committee work, and budgetary responsibilities. Overall citizen satisfaction with MPs is modest, with trust and approval closely tied to both the visibility of constituency engagement and citizens’ understanding of legislative achievements.

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