Africa-Press – Tanzania. A calm atmosphere prevailed across Dodoma and its surrounding areas on the morning of Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as the city appeared unusually quiet. Few people were seen in the markets and on the streets, and many shops remained locked. By 9:45 a.m., police patrols were visible in some parts of the city, but even the typically crowded One Way area had only a handful of people. The Uhindini Street, known for its popular food stalls near the Sabasaba market, also had a tranquil air, with some restaurants remaining closed.
While the city center remained quiet, polling stations in Nzuguni, Makole, Ipagala, and Viwanda wards began receiving voters early, with encouraging turnout reported in several locations. Voters in Nzuguni and Ipagala appeared in large numbers, while in Makole turnout was lower, partly due to polling stations being concentrated in fewer areas. Some minor challenges were reported regarding relocated voter names, but most citizens expressed satisfaction with the overall organization and smooth progress of the voting process.
A similar sense of calm was reported in Tabata — notably at Kimanga, Segerea, and Kinyerezi — where large groups of voters lined up in orderly queues. Election officials assisted those struggling to find their names on the register, and persons with disabilities were granted priority access at polling stations. The only notable challenge came from the late arrival of voting materials, which reached most centers between 7:27 and 7:30 a.m. The presiding officer at Kisukuru A8 School, Shimiyu Nkalalilwa, attributed the short delay to logistical issues, emphasizing that operations resumed smoothly thereafter.
In Vingunguti and Segerea wards of Ilala District, high voter enthusiasm was also observed. Residents turned out in large numbers starting at 8:30 a.m., encouraging one another by phone and door-to-door calls to exercise their democratic right. However, some voters faced confusion over their assigned polling stations or had difficulty locating their names on registration lists. Elderly voters received assistance from polling officials, although a few citizens expressed disappointment after failing to find their names despite repeated checks. Some non-registered or out-of-region voters were politely directed on proper procedures by election officials.
In Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region, polling centers opened on time and security remained tight. Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu urged citizens to come out and vote peacefully, describing the day as a historic moment for Tanzanians. Over 1.15 million voters were expected to cast their ballots across 3,074 polling stations in the region. Both the regional commissioner and Moshi Urban returning officer, Sifael Kulanga, confirmed that voting was proceeding smoothly, with all stations operating and minor logistical challenges resolved. Voters reported an atmosphere of calm and safety, with the elderly given priority and no signs of disruption.
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