Election officials in Tanzania have been called upon to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and strict adherence to electoral laws as preparations intensify for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for June 1, 2026.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has instructed all election personnel to thoroughly study the Constitution, electoral laws, regulations and official guidelines issued by the Commission.
The aim is to ensure that they are fully prepared to manage the electoral process in a fair, transparent and credible manner.
The directive was issued in Morogoro by the Vice Chairperson of INEC, Justice of the Court of Appeal (Retired) Mbarouk Salim Mbarouk, during the closing ceremony of a three-day training programme for election officials.
The training is part of broader national preparations for the parliamentary by-election in Ismani Constituency in Iringa Region, as well as local council by-elections in 12 wards across mainland Tanzania.
Justice Mbarouk emphasized that managing elections is a serious national responsibility that requires discipline, commitment and full understanding of the legal framework guiding electoral processes.
He said every official involved must ensure they are well equipped with knowledge of electoral laws and procedures to guarantee credibility and fairness.
He stressed that a deep understanding of the Constitution and electoral regulations is not optional, but a key requirement for anyone entrusted with election duties.
According to him, this knowledge enables officials to make correct decisions and handle electoral activities in line with established laws.
He further instructed that all election activities must strictly follow the official timetable issued by the Commission.
He warned that any delays, negligence or failure to comply with procedures could compromise the integrity and credibility of the entire electoral process.
Justice Mbarouk noted that the training programme was specifically designed to strengthen the capacity of election officials at all levels. This includes improving their ability to execute duties efficiently during voter registration, polling, counting and declaration of results.
A major emphasis was also placed on the recruitment and management of polling station staff. INEC directed election supervisors to carefully select qualified, competent and trustworthy individuals who will manage voting and vote counting at polling stations.
The Commission noted that polling station officials play a critical role in protecting the integrity of elections, as they are directly responsible for handling voters, ballot papers and the counting process.
For this reason, they are expected to demonstrate high levels of accuracy, accountability and professionalism.
Officials were further reminded that any mistake at the polling station level can have significant consequences on the overall credibility of election results.
Therefore, careful training and proper supervision were described as essential elements in ensuring smooth electoral operations.
Justice Mbarouk also stressed that training of polling station officials must be completed within the required timeframe to ensure full readiness before election day.
He said well-trained personnel are crucial in preventing procedural errors and ensuring that voting is conducted smoothly and efficiently.
He added that the overall objective of the training programmes is to equip election officials with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to perform their duties effectively.
This, he said, is essential for building and maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
The three-day training brought together Regional Election Coordinators, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers at constituency level, Ward Election Supervisors, Election Officers, Procurement Officers and Accountants.
Their participation reflects INEC’s commitment to strengthening coordination and preparedness across all administrative levels of election management.
According to INEC, such inclusive training is necessary to ensure that all officials involved in the electoral process share a common understanding of laws, procedures and responsibilities. This is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce operational challenges during elections.
The upcoming by-election in Ismani Constituency and the 12 wards will be conducted to fill vacant parliamentary and council seats.
The wards involved include Mzimuni in Kinondoni Municipality, Zongomera in Kahama Municipality, Itilo in Nzega Town Council, Ketare in Tarime Town Council and Nyumbigwa in Kasulu Town Council.
Other wards are Kala in Nkasi District Council, Ziba in Igunga District Council, Kamsisi in Mlele District Council, Nyamugali in Buhigwe District Council, Namasakata in Tunduru District Council, Bwongera in Chato District Council and Kibiti in Kibiti District Council.
INEC has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the by-elections are conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible environment.
The Commission has also called on all stakeholders involved in the process to observe discipline, follow regulations and support efforts aimed at strengthening democratic governance in the country.
As preparations continue, the Commission maintains that professionalism among election officials remains the cornerstone of delivering credible electoral outcomes that reflect the true will of the people.
