Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that using force, threats, or deceit to discourage citizens from voting is a criminal offence punishable under the 2024 Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors Election Act.
Speaking in Dodoma on Wednesday, INEC Director of Election, Ramadhan Kailima, stated that Section 129 of the law prohibits such acts, legally defined as undue influence.
“Anyone found using intimidation, violence or manipulation to discourage voters will face strict legal action,” Mr Kailima stressed.
He reminded Tanzanians that voting is a constitutional right and a civic duty essential for national development and the promotion of democracy.
“INEC urges all citizens to turn out in large numbers, vote peacefully and observe the laws of the land,” he added.
On election logistics, Mr Kailima confirmed that all key materials have reached polling centres, except ballot papers, which were awaiting a High Court decision on a case filed by a former ACT presidential candidate who challenged his disqualification.
“The court has since ruled in favour of the commission. We will soon issue an official announcement on the printing of ballot papers, including the company responsible, as the process continues through the NEST (National e-Procurement System of Tanzania) system,” he said.
He also noted that under the 2024 Election Act amendments, Section 42(2), the Commission has made provisions for voters to cast their presidential votes outside the polling stations where they originally registered.
“Notices were issued within the required 14 days, and voters who changed polling stations will receive SMS alerts seven days before election day, indicating their new stations. The updated lists will also be displayed at all polling centres,” Mr Kailima said.
The INEC Director commended the high public response to the new Kura ya Rais Portal (KRP), a digital system that allows voters to request polling station changes online.
“I commend all citizens who used the portal through their mobile phones and internet access. The response has been impressive, and the election timetable is progressing smoothly,” he said.
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