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The National Independent Electoral Commission (NEC) has strongly refuted reports circulating on social media alleging that its electoral database has been connected to the National Identification Authority (NIDA) and a certain political party, and that voting for the upcoming General Election has already concluded.
In a statement issued yesterday, NEC described the reports as false, misleading and aimed at causing unnecessary tension ahead of the October 29, 2025, polls.
“These allegations are being spread by individuals with no understanding of the electoral process. We categorically state that these claims are entirely baseless,” the statement read.
The Commission clarified that the Permanent Voters’ Register is not linked to any government or private system for the purpose of voting.
It added that Tanzania’s voting process remains fully manual, including casting ballots, counting votes and announcing results.
“After the completion of the voter registration update, political parties were given copies of the voter register, which indicate the number of registered voters at each polling station. Party agents will use these registers during voting to verify voters,” the statement said.
NEC further stressed that voting requires a registered voter to physically appear at the polling station with a voter card issued by NEC.
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The voter’s name is then read aloud by the station supervisor for verification by party agents before ballot papers are provided.
The Commission also reminded the public that the National ID (NIDA card) is not used for voting. Only the voter card issued by NEC, after verification, allows an individual to cast a ballot.
NEC urged citizens and election stakeholders to ignore the misinformation and rely on official updates from the Commission’s verified platforms.
“These rumours are intended to create confusion and panic among the public. We call on everyone to disregard them and focus on exercising their democratic right,” the statement emphasized.