By Alfred Zacharia
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the voter registration exercise in Dar es Salaam by two additional days, following a high turnout of citizens seeking to update their details.
Initially set to conclude on March 23, 2025, the exercise will now continue until March 25, 2025, according to an announcement by the Commission's Chairperson, Justice Jacobs Mwambegele.
The decision to extend the registration period was prompted by the overwhelming response from residents since the exercise commenced on March 17, 2025.
"We have observed an exceptional turnout, and to accommodate all eligible voters, the Commission has decided to extend the process by two more days, concluding on March 25 at 6:00 PM," Justice Mwambegele stated.
The Commission had anticipated a significant number of registrants and took proactive measures by increasing the number of Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits and personnel at high-traffic centers. These measures aimed to ensure a smooth and efficient process while mitigating congestion at registration points.
"We deployed additional BVR machines and personnel in areas experiencing high demand, which significantly improved service delivery and reduced long queues," Justice Mwambegele explained. The move was essential in expediting the registration process and addressing delays experienced in earlier days.
Despite the extension, the Chairperson clarified that no further extensions would be granted beyond March 25. He also reiterated that the exercise is strictly for new registrations, updating personal details, and reissuing voter cards to those who lost or damaged theirs.
Individuals with valid voter cards from previous elections are not required to re-register, as their cards remain valid under Section 168 of the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Elections Act.
Additionally, Justice Mwambegele cautioned against multiple registrations, emphasizing that such an act constitutes a legal offense.
"Registering more than once is a criminal offense punishable by a fine ranging between TZS 100,000 and TZS 300,000 or imprisonment for a period of six months to two years, or both," he warned.
INEC called upon all election stakeholders, including the general public, to cooperate with the Commission in ensuring that only eligible individuals participate in the registration process.
The Commission has already completed voter registration updates in 30 regions, with Dar es Salaam being the final area in the 13th and last phase of the first registration update cycle.
The extension is expected to provide a final opportunity for residents of Dar es Salaam to fulfill their civic duty and participate in the upcoming elections.
The Commission remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and transparent electoral process, emphasizing that voter registration is a crucial step toward democratic participation.
