Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDING officers and their assistants have been urged to perform their election duties with integrity, honesty and patriotism to ensure a fair, peaceful and transparent electoral process.
The call was made yesterday by a member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Judge Asina Omari, while addressing election officials during a training session held in Mvomero District, Morogoro Region.
The training, conducted from Sunday to yesterday, was held concurrently in the Mvomero, Mlali and Turiani divisions.
Judge Omari said the INEC has established clear procedures and guidelines to ensure every step of the electoral process complies with laws, regulations and ethical standards.
She stressed that it is the responsibility of every election official to execute their duties professionally and impartially.
She further reminded officials to strictly observe polling station opening and closing times, saying that punctuality would help avoid voter complaints.
During her visit, Judge Omari also inspected several polling centres in Dakawa Ward to assess their readiness ahead of the election.
The Mvomero Constituency Returning Officer, Ms Mary Kayowa, who visited the Mlali Divisional Centre to oversee the training, reminded all participants to maintain confidentiality, discipline, integrity and professionalism, principles she said are vital for ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
Ms Kayowa urged officials to adhere strictly to all directives issued by the INEC, to guarantee that citizens exercise their democratic right to elect leaders of their choice.
She also called for priority to be given to voters with special needs, including persons with disabilities, pregnant women, mothers with infants and the elderly.
“For voters who are visually impaired, Braille ballot papers will be provided to allow them to vote independently,” she said, adding that all polling stations will feature userfriendly voting booths suitable for both persons with disabilities and other voters.
Ms Kayowa noted that there are 771 polling stations in Mvomero Constituency and that more than 3,000 presiding and assistant presiding officers have received the training.
One of the trained presiding officers, Ms Jamila Seif, said they are now fully prepared to oversee the election, which she believes will be free and fair for all Tanzanians, following the comprehensive training and guidance provided by the Commission.
The General Election for the President, Members of Parliament and Councillors will take place tomorrow under the theme: “Your Vote, Your Right — Turn Out and Vote.”
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