Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved a total of 88 institutions and civil society organisations, including 12 from abroad, to serve as observers for the upcoming 2025 General Election, scheduled for October 29, 2025.
The announcement was made on Sunday in Dodoma by INEC Chairperson Justice Jacobs Mwambegele during a high-level national meeting between the Commission and political parties.
The meeting, which brought together political party leaders, government officials, civil society representatives and security agencies, was aimed at discussing preparations for the polls and strengthening collaboration between stakeholders ahead of what is expected to be one of the most significant democratic exercises in the country’s history.
Justice Mwambegele said the approved observers were selected following a formal invitation extended by the Commission to organisations interested in participating in the election as independent monitors of the process.
“After a thorough verification process, a total of 76 local and 12 international institutions and civil society organisations have been issued with permits,” he said.
In addition, the Commission has granted 164 institutions and organisations approval to provide voter education in the run-up to the elections. Justice Mwambegele explained that these authorisations were issued under Section 10(1)(g), (h) and (i) of the National Independent Electoral Commission Act No 2 of 2024, which mandates the Commission to provide voter education nationwide, coordinate and oversee institutions delivering such education and register election observers.
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“To fulfil this responsibility, the Commission plans to deliver voter education through multiple channels,” he said.
These include media outlets, social media, publications, stakeholder meetings, exhibitions, festivals, the Commission’s Voter Education van, and public announcement vehicles deployed across all local government authorities.
He emphasised that an informed electorate is essential to the credibility of the electoral process, hence the Commission’s investment in extensive voter education efforts. Justice Mwambegele also disclosed that a total of 272 constituencies will be used in the 2025 polls, comprising 222 constituencies in Mainland Tanzania and 50 in Zanzibar.
This reflects an increase of eight new constituencies on the Mainland. Similarly, 3,960 wards will take part in the councilor elections, following the establishment of five new wards by the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG).
Expressing confidence in the smooth conduct of the electoral process, Justice Mwambegele commended political parties for their cooperation during the Permanent Voter Register update.
“You have been proactive in presenting ideas and suggestions and in seeking clarification whenever needed during our meetings. We sincerely thank you for that,” he said.
He also urged all stakeholders to maintain open communication, mutual trust and a shared commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections. He reiterated that the Commission remains committed to transparency and inclusivity throughout the electoral process.
INEC Director of Elections and Commission Secretary Mr Ramadhan Kailima used the meeting to outline the next steps in the preparations.
He informed political parties that they would receive both printed and digital copies of the Permanent Voter Register and a comprehensive list of polling stations.
He assured them that INEC offices would remain open throughout the nomination period for presidential, parliamentary and councilor candidates, providing support and facilitating a smooth nomination process.
Political Parties Council Chairperson and ADA-TADEA leader commended the decision to keep INEC offices open throughout the process, suggesting that the arrangement be extended beyond the Commission’s headquarters to constituency and ward levels for easier access.
Civic United Front (CUF) Chairman Professor Ibrahim Lipumba also lauded INEC’s decision to distribute both digital and printed versions of the voter register and polling stations in advance, describing it as a landmark step in the country’s electoral history.
“This is the first time the Commission is doing this. I congratulate INEC. It should also ensure fairness in the process,” Prof Lipumba emphasised.
The 2025 General Election is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with nominations for all candidates set for August 27, followed by an official campaign period running from August 28 to October 28 on the Mainland and ending October 27 in Zanzibar to allow for early voting.
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