RC Anamringi Macha registers in the residents' roll. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Anamringi Macha here has issued a strict ban on any illegal immigrants registering to vote in the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for November 27, 2024.
He instructed the Security Committee and the Immigration Department to ensure that individuals not legally recognized in Tanzania, particularly from neighboring countries, do not find a way to participate in the elections, as they are not lawful residents of the country.
The regional boss made these remarks on October 12, 2024, while registering as a voter in Lubaga Ward, Shinyanga Municipality. He was accompanied by Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro (Advocate), and Shinyanga Municipal Director Mwl. Alexius Kagunze, Shinyanga Regional Election Supervisor Bakari Kasinyo, and other senior officials from the Regional and Municipal offices.
With the November 2024 Local Government Elections fast approaching, the political climate in Shinyanga and across Tanzania is heating up. There is growing pressure on both candidates and voters, as this election is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape at the grassroots level.
The government has been emphasizing the importance of transparent, free, and fair elections while ensuring that only legal residents participate.
The stakes are particularly high in regions like Shinyanga, where voter turnout is anticipated to be substantial. Candidates are already intensifying their campaigns, focusing on critical local issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Meanwhile, election authorities are under pressure to ensure all logistical preparations are seamless and security is tight to prevent any form of electoral malpractice. This election could set the tone for the national general elections in 2025.
As the region gears up for the November Local Government Elections, Shinyanga expects to have 1,158,025 registered voters, including 126,345 in Shinyanga Municipality, 253,078 in Kahama Municipality, 168,005 in Kishapu District Council, 189,492 in Msalala, 236,621 in Shinyanga District, and 184,484 in Ushetu District Council.
The Shinyanga Region comprises 90 urban areas, 506 villages, 2,007 hamlets, and 2,897 voter registration centers. The public is being urged to take full advantage of this opportunity and exercise their fundamental right to both run for office and actively participate in these elections in the communities where they reside.
