INEC prepares officials for Chamwino Constituency’s by-election

TABORA: THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has today, September 29, 2026 begun a training session for election officials ahead of the Chamwino Constituency by-election later this year.

During the training, the officials were tasked to uphold their oaths of office and perform their duties in accordance with the Constitution, electoral laws and regulations throughout the election process.

The task was announced by the Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Court of Appeal Justice, Jacobs Mwambegele, in Tabora while opening a training session for election officials.

The three-day training is part of preparations for a parliamentary by-election in Chamwino Constituency, Chamwino District Council, Dodoma Region, and council by-elections in 11 wards on Tanzania Mainland, scheduled for November 4, 2026.

“I urge you to honour the oaths you have taken in the positions to which you have been appointed. Perform your duties in accordance with the Constitution of the country, electoral laws and regulations, the electoral code of ethics, and the various directives issued and to be issued by the Commission during this election period,” Justice Mwambegele said.

He directed the officials to closely involve all fully registered political parties and other electoral stakeholders in their respective areas on electoral matters in which they are entitled to participate.

He added that election officials should provide political parties with lists of polling stations to enable them to plan and deploy their agents.

“It is also important for you to identify and have a thorough understanding of the areas where the elections will be conducted, including the infrastructure and routes leading to polling stations,” Justice Mwambegele said.

He cautioned the officials against relying on routine practices, noting that despite the experience some of them have in conducting elections, every election process is different.

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Justice Mwambegele also stressed the need to recruit qualified, competent and responsible polling-station officials, urging them to avoid favouritism, particularly the appointment of relatives and friends who do not meet the required qualifications.

He further instructed the officials to verify all election materials received from the Commission and ensure that every polling-station supervisor receives all the required materials in good time.

He also directed them to put in place arrangements that will enable every polling station to open at 7:00 a.m. on election day.

The three-day 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 on Tanzania Mainland that will hold council 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 other wards 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.

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