A total of 38,151 registered voters are set to participate in by-elections tomorrow, January 22, 2026, in Malangali Ward of Sumbawanga Municipal Council, Rukwa Region, and Mzinga Ward of Dar es Salaam City Council.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Court of Appeal Judge Jacobs Mwambegele, announced today in Dodoma that 92 polling stations will be operational to facilitate a smooth voting process.
Six candidates from three political parties are contesting the vacant councillor seats. Judge Mwambegele praised both the political parties and candidates for demonstrating commitment to the democratic process.
“Out of six candidates, five, or 83.3 per cent, are men, while one, or 16.7 per cent, is a woman. We commend all parties and candidates for participating and contributing to democratic governance,” he said.
Political parties have been reminded to ensure that their agents are present at all polling stations to observe the voting, counting, and tallying processes.
“Election supervisors in the wards and constituencies have completed arrangements to ensure party agents can monitor the process effectively. Agents are responsible for protecting the interests of their parties and candidates and must strictly follow the law, election regulations, and instructions from the Commission,” Judge Mwambegele explained.
Polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. Voters still in line at closing time will be allowed to cast their votes, with a station guard marking the end of the queue. Voting will continue until everyone in line has completed the process.
Voters are urged to leave the polling station promptly after casting their votes and to follow all instructions given by polling staff. Those registered in the Permanent Voters’ Register but who have lost or damaged their voter ID card can vote using a National Identification Card (NIDA), a driving licence, or a valid passport.