The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness for the General Election scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025, urging Tanzanians to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic right to vote.
In a statement issued by the INEC Chairperson, the Commission emphasized that the election will be conducted in accordance with Articles 38(2)(a), 65 and 74(6)(b) and (d) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977), as read together with Sections 49 and 58(2) of the Election Act No. 1 of 2024.
According to the election timetable, campaigns on the Mainland will conclude on October 28, 2025, at midnight, while in Zanzibar, they will end a day earlier October 27, 2025 to pave the way for early voting.
“The Presidential, Parliamentary, and Councilor elections across the United Republic of Tanzania will take place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025,” said the INEC Chairperson, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible process.
She explained that, in constituencies and wards where there is only one unopposed candidate for Parliament or Council, the law provides for a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote.
Ballot papers in such areas will bear the candidate’s photo, name, and party symbol, along with two boxes labeled ‘Yes’ and ‘No.’ Voters will mark their choice to either approve or reject the unopposed candidate.
“The ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ ballot applies only to constituencies or wards with a single candidate,” the Chairperson clarified, adding that all other voting procedures will remain standard across the country.
She commended political parties, candidates, and voters for their discipline and peaceful conduct throughout the campaign period.
“I wish to congratulate all political parties and their candidates for observing the 2025 Election Code of Ethics. The campaigns have largely been conducted in a peaceful, mature, and democratic manner,” she said.
The INEC Chairperson also extended appreciation to citizens for their patience and calmness during the campaign period. “Wherever minor irregularities occurred, ethics committees at various levels handled them effectively,” she added.
INEC has confirmed that a total of 37,647,235 registered voters are expected to participate in this year’s election 36,650,932 from Mainland Tanzania and 996,303 from Zanzibar. Of this total, 18,950,801 (50.34%) are women, and 18,696,434 (49.66%) are men.
Tanzania has 272 constituencies in total 222 on the Mainland and 50 in Zanzibar—along with 3,950 wards on the Mainland where councilor elections will be held.
However, parliamentary elections in Fuoni (Zanzibar) and Siha (Mainland) have been postponed following the deaths of candidates. INEC said voting in these constituencies will take place on December 30, 2025.
The Chairperson concluded by calling on all eligible voters to participate peacefully and responsibly on election day.
“I urge all Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers on October 29, 2025, and cast their votes calmly and respectfully. Every vote counts and contributes to strengthening our democracy and building a prosperous nation,” she said.