Election officials have been urged to uphold their oaths of office and strictly follow the Constitution, electoral laws and regulations as Tanzania prepares for a series of by-elections scheduled for November 4, 2026.
The call was made on Tuesday by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairperson and Court of Appeal Justice Jacobs Mwambegele while opening a three-day training programme for election officials in Tabora Region.
The training is part of preparations for the parliamentary by-election in Chamwino Constituency, Chamwino District Council in Dodoma Region, and councilor elections in 11 wards across Mainland Tanzania.
Justice Mwambegele said election officials must conduct themselves in accordance with the Constitution, election laws and regulations, the electoral code of ethics and instructions issued by the Commission.
“I urge you to respect the oaths you have taken for the positions to which you have been appointed and perform your duties in accordance with the Constitution of the country, election laws and regulations, the electoral code of ethics, as well as various instructions issued and to be issued by the Commission during this electoral period,” he said.
He also directed officials to ensure that all fully registered political parties and other eligible electoral stakeholders are involved in electoral matters in their respective areas.
Political parties should also be provided with lists of polling stations early enough to allow them to appoint and deploy their agents, he said.
Justice Mwambegele further instructed officials to familiarise themselves with the areas where elections will take place, including available infrastructure and routes to polling stations.
He cautioned officials against relying solely on past experience, saying each election presents different circumstances and must be handled according to the applicable rules and instructions.
The INEC chairperson also stressed the need for transparency in recruiting polling-station officials, directing authorities to consider qualifications, professionalism and integrity.
He warned against favouritism, including appointing relatives or friends who do not meet the required qualifications.
“Verify the election materials you receive from the Commission and ensure that every polling-station supervisor receives all the necessary election materials in good time,” he said.
He also directed officials to make the necessary arrangements to ensure all polling stations open at 7 a.m. on election day.
The training brings together regional election coordinators, returning officers, assistant returning officers at constituency and ward levels, election officers, procurement officers and accountants.
The 11 wards scheduled to hold councilor by-elections are Nonde in Mbeya City Council, Lugenge in Njombe Town Council, Bargish in Mbulu Town Council, Makole in Muheza District Council, Mwera in Pangani District Council and Oldonyosambu in Ngorongoro District Council.
The others are Igalula in Uyui District Council, Shelui in Iramba District Council, Mvumi in Kilosa District Council, Nyarero in Tarime District Council and Ilolangulu in Mbogwe District Council.