The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on election officials across the country to fully commit themselves to studying the Constitution, electoral laws, regulations, and all official guidelines in order to ensure professionalism and integrity in managing the upcoming elections.
The call was made by the Vice Chairperson of INEC, Justice of the Court of Appeal (Retired) Mbarouk Salim Mbarouk, in Morogoro on April 30, 2026, while closing a three-day training programme for election officials.
The training, which began on April 28, 2026, forms part of preparations for the parliamentary by-election in Ismani Constituency in Iringa Region and ward elections in 12 wards across Mainland Tanzania, scheduled for June 1, 2026.
Justice Mbarouk emphasized that credible elections depend heavily on the competence and discipline of those entrusted with managing the process, urging officials to ensure they are well-versed with all legal and procedural requirements.
He said election officials must take personal responsibility to understand the laws guiding elections, noting that proper knowledge is key to ensuring free, fair, and transparent polls.
“I take this opportunity to continue emphasizing the importance of setting aside time to read the Constitution, electoral laws, and various instructions issued by the Commission. This will guide you in managing elections that are free and fair,” said Justice Mbarouk.
He further stressed that the success of the electoral process depends on professionalism, integrity, and commitment among all officers involved.
According to him, the upcoming by-elections are a crucial democratic exercise aimed at filling vacant parliamentary and council seats, and therefore require maximum seriousness.
“The task before us is big and important. It requires seriousness and commitment. The Commission expects that after receiving this training, you will carry out your responsibilities efficiently and professionally, following the implementation timetable to ensure the successful completion of the Ismani parliamentary by-election and the ward elections scheduled for June 1, 2026,” he said.
Justice Mbarouk also highlighted the importance of appointing qualified and competent polling station officials, saying they play a central role in managing voting and vote counting processes.
He instructed election managers to ensure that recruitment of polling staff is based strictly on merit, competence, and integrity.
“On the recruitment of polling station officials, we are confident that you will select individuals with the qualifications and ability to perform this important task.
These officials will be responsible for managing voting and counting processes at polling stations, which requires accuracy, discipline, and professionalism,” he said.
He added that proper training of polling station officials must be conducted effectively and within the official election timetable to ensure readiness for the voting exercise.
The Vice Chairperson noted that the overall aim of the training is to strengthen the capacity of election officials so that they clearly understand their roles and execute them effectively during the electoral process.
The three-day training brought together Regional Election Coordinators, Constituency Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, Ward Returning Officers, Election Officers, Procurement Officers, and Accountants.
The upcoming ward elections will be held in 12 wards across Mainland Tanzania. These include Mzimuni Ward in Kinondoni Municipality; Zongomera Ward in Kahama Municipality; Itilo Ward in Nzega Town Council; Ketare Ward in Tarime Town Council; and Nyumbigwa Ward in Kasulu Town Council.
Other wards are Kala Ward in Nkasi District Council; Ziba Ward in Igunga District Council; Kamsisi Ward in Mlele District Council; Nyamugali Ward in Buhigwe District Council; Namasakata Ward in Tunduru District Council; Bwongera Ward in Chato District Council; and Kibiti Ward in Kibiti District Council.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all electoral processes are conducted in accordance with the law, while upholding transparency, fairness, and credibility in the upcoming by-elections across the country.
