Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on newly appointed officials overseeing Tanzania’s 2025 General Election to adhere strictly to constitutional and legal procedures, warning that any negligence could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
The remarks were made by INEC Vice-Chairperson and retired Court of Appeal Judge Mbarouk Salim Mbarouk during the opening of a training session at Ziwani Police Hall for returning officers, prisoner voting coordinators and assistant returning officers at the constituency level held at the Ziwani Police Hall.
Judge Mbarouk said that elections are complex processes involving various constitutional and legal stages that must be properly followed and respected.
“These steps form the foundation for conducting credible and efficient elections, minimising complaints and preventing violence throughout the electoral cycle,” he said.
He urged the officials to comply with all directives issued by the commission to ensure the successful discharge of their duties.
Judge Mbarouk further stressed the importance of involving all fully registered political parties at every stage of the process, in line with constitutional and legal provisions, as well as INEC’s guidelines.
“Make every effort to avoid being the source of complaints from political parties or other stakeholders. Ensure that your actions are firmly guided by the Constitution, the law, electoral regulations and Commission directives,” he told the participants.
He also encouraged active engagement with stakeholders within their jurisdictions particularly in accordance with the law to promote transparency and build public trust.
In addition, Judge Mbarouk advised early identification and assessment of polling stations to determine any special logistical needs and to ensure a well organised voting environment that promotes peace and order.
Regarding the basis of their appointments, he said the selection was made in accordance with Sections 6(1), (2) and (5) and Sections 8(1) and (2) of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act No 1 of 2024.
He added that the appointments were also based on the appointees’ integrity, patriotism, professionalism and dedication.
He reminded participants that under Article 74(6) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977), INEC holds the sole mandate to oversee and coordinate the conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections in the Union, as well as local government elections on the Mainland.
“The responsibility you’ve been entrusted with, to manage and coordinate national elections, is vital to the future of our country. The commission is relying on your competence and commitment throughout your service until the conclusion of this electoral process,” he said.
Judge Mbarouk expressed hope that the training would provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange and discussion on how best to manage elections in various areas and overcome any challenges that may arise.
For returning officers and supervisors with prior election experience, he encouraged them to actively engage in discussions and learn from each other to enhance their understanding and performance.
He also stressed the importance of merit-based recruitment of polling station staff, urging officials to select competent, ethical, and hard-working personnel and to avoid favouritism toward unqualified relatives or acquaintances.
For his part, INEC Director for Zanzibar, Mr Adam Juma Mkina, said the aim of the training was to equip officials with a thorough understanding of election-related matters and the legal procedures they must follow.
“This training is meant to empower them with full knowledge of how to manage elections. I am confident that after this programme, the officials will carry out their duties professionally and in accordance with the country’s laws and Constitution,” Mkina said.
The three-day training in Unguja will be followed by a similar session on Pemba Island starting on July 21, 2025. Similar training sessions were also held on Tanzania mainland before INEC releases the muchawaited elections timetable in the near future.
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