Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to leverage their platforms to champion peace, vigilance and responsible citizenship throughout the electoral period.
Speaking during a meeting held on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam, INEC Chairperson Justice Jacobs Mwambegele said that historically, election campaign periods in Tanzania have been marked by political tensions, often stemming from a lack of tolerance among some political actors. Justice Mwambegele described CSOs as key partners in bridging the gap between the Commission and the public, particularly in providing voter education and encouraging civic participation.
“This meeting offers an opportunity to exchange practical experiences in electoral processes and to identify and prevent potential irregularities that could compromise the integrity of the election,” he said.
He said that the success of the 2025 General Election will depend greatly on the cooperation of CSOs in educating voters and promoting peaceful participation.
Justice Mwambegele also urged institutions and organisations to strictly adhere to the country’s electoral laws, regulations and INEC directives to ensure lawful participation in the democratic process.
Highlighting the Commission’s mandate under the National Independent Electoral Commission Act No. 2 of 2024, he explained that INEC is responsible for coordinating, providing and supervising voter education across the country.
So far, 164 organisations have been granted permits to conduct voter education, while 76 local and 12 international organisations have been accredited to observe the election.
“In the area of voter education, we depend on your contribution. The Commission is confident you will continue to work with us, just as you have in the past, to help us fulfil our mandate,” Justice Mwambegele added.
According to the Commission’s election schedule, nomination forms for presidential and vice-presidential candidates will be issued from August 19 to 27, this year.
Forms for parliamentary and councillorship candidates will be available from August 14 to 27, with the official nomination date set for August 27.
Campaigns will run from August 28 to October 28 on the mainland, and until October 27 in Zanzibar. Justice Mwambegele also announced that the number of parliamentary constituencies has increased to 272 from 264, of which 222 are on the Mainland and 50 in Zanzibar.
Similarly, the number of council wards has risen to 3,960 from 3,955 with the addition of five new wards. Speaking during the meeting, Director of Elimika Jitambue Simama kwa Ajili ya Wengine Foundation, Miriam Kiuga said that many young people especially firsttime voters lack adequate understanding of the importance of voting.
Her organisation plans to engage and educate youths to register and participate in the upcoming elections.
Director of New Hope Community Development Organisation, Baraka Chambua said his organisation is also committed to delivering voter education, urging all citizens to recognise voting as both a civic duty and a fundamental right.
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