The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Tanzania has begun preparations for 12 upcoming by-elections. INEC Chairman, Judge Jacobs Mwambegele, addressed election officials during a three-day training session in Tabora. He emphasized the importance of upholding their oaths of office and adhering to electoral laws and regulations. The by-elections will fill a vacant parliamentary seat and several councillor positions across Mainland Tanzania.
The training session aimed to equip election officials with the necessary skills to conduct free and fair by-elections. Judge Mwambegele urged the officials to discharge their responsibilities professionally and ensure that all registered political parties are fully involved in the electoral process. He also stressed the need for strict adherence to electoral procedures. The officials were reminded of their critical role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
The by-elections will take place in various regions, including the Chamwino Constituency in Dodoma Region. The election officials were directed to identify all areas where the by-elections will be conducted and familiarize themselves with polling stations in their respective areas. They were also instructed to provide political parties with lists of polling stations in good time to enable them to plan and deploy their election agents.
Judge Mwambegele emphasized the importance of recruiting qualified polling-station personnel. He cautioned the officials against favoring relatives, friends, or acquaintances who did not meet the required qualifications. The INEC chairman stressed that only officials with the ability to perform their duties should be recruited. This, he said, would ensure the smooth conduct of the by-elections.
The training brought together various election officials, including Regional Election Coordinators, Returning Officers, and Election Officers. The officials were taken through the electoral process, with a focus on their roles and responsibilities. The training aimed to ensure that the by-elections are conducted in a transparent and credible manner.
The by-elections are part of Tanzania's ongoing efforts to fill vacancies in various constituencies and wards. The election officials were reminded of the need to work closely with political parties and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth electoral process. The INEC chairman expressed confidence that the trained officials would conduct the by-elections in a professional and impartial manner.
The successful conduct of the by-elections is critical to Tanzania's democratic process. The INEC has taken steps to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and credible. With the training of election officials underway, the stage is set for a successful by-election process.
Key points
- INEC trains officials for 12 by-elections in Tanzania
- Officials urged to uphold oaths of office and adhere to electoral laws
- By-elections to fill a vacant parliamentary seat and councillor positions
