The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that a total of 222,218 registered voters will participate in the upcoming by-elections in Ismani Constituency in Iringa Region and 12 wards across mainland Tanzania, in an exercise aimed at strengthening democratic representation at parliamentary and council levels.
The announcement was made on May 31, 2026, in Iringa by INEC Chairperson, Justice of Appeal Jacobs Mwambegele, who said all preparations have been completed for the elections scheduled for June 1, 2026.
He noted that the Commission has put in place 628 polling stations across the affected areas to ensure smooth and accessible voting.
According to INEC, 89,753 voters are registered in Ismani Constituency, while 132,465 voters are spread across the 12 wards where council by-elections will also take place.
In Ismani, voting will be conducted at 277 polling stations, while the remaining wards will be served by 351 polling stations.
A total of 108 candidates from 17 political parties are competing for parliamentary and councillorship positions, reflecting active political participation across the country.
In Ismani Constituency, 17 candidates are contesting the parliamentary seat. Women account for 52.94 percent of the contestants, while men make up 47.06 percent, showing a notable level of gender balance in the race.
For the 12 wards, 91 candidates are vying for councillorship positions, with men representing 67.03 percent and women 32.97 percent.
INEC has called on all political parties participating in the elections to ensure they deploy agents at all polling stations to observe voting, counting, and vote tallying processes.
The Commission emphasized that election officials have completed all necessary arrangements to guarantee transparency and allow party representatives to closely monitor the entire exercise.
Justice Mwambegele reminded parties that agents play a critical role in protecting the interests of their candidates and must strictly follow electoral laws, regulations, and official procedures while performing their duties at polling stations.
Voting will begin at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. However, INEC clarified that voters who are still in line at the official closing time will be allowed to cast their votes until the last person in the queue has voted.
After voting, citizens are expected to leave polling station areas immediately, while those present must follow instructions from election officials to ensure order and efficiency during the process.
INEC further confirmed that voters whose names appear in the Permanent Voters Register but who have lost or damaged their voter cards will still be allowed to vote. They can use alternative identification documents such as the National ID, driving license, or passport.
The 12 wards involved in the by-elections are Mzimuni in Kinondoni Municipal Council, Zongomera in Kahama Town Council, Itilo in Nzega Town Council, Ketare in Tarime Town Council, Nyumbigwa in Kasulu Town Council, 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 assured voters, political parties, and other stakeholders that all logistical, security, and administrative arrangements have been finalized to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible voting process across all polling stations.
