The National Electoral Commission (NEC) in Tanzania is urging returning officers to strictly follow the law during the upcoming by-election for councilors in 23 wards to prevent any grievances. Judge of the High Court Justice Asina Omari conveyed this message on behalf of the NEC Chairperson during a training session for election officials at different levels.

The by-elections for councilor positions in 23 wards in mainland Tanzania are scheduled to take place by March 20 this year. Justice Omari stressed the importance of abiding by legal procedures to ensure a fair and effective election process.

She advised election supervisors to adhere to the guidelines provided by the Commission rather than relying on customary practices. Emphasizing the significance of training sessions for the specific by-election, she urged supervisors to leverage their experience to guarantee the smooth execution of the electoral process.

Furthermore, Justice Omari highlighted the necessity of engaging political parties and other stakeholders throughout the election period to address relevant issues promptly. She encouraged supervisors to plan ahead by identifying polling stations in advance and selecting competent personnel to manage the voting process efficiently.

To promote transparency and fairness, she instructed supervisors to share a list of polling stations with political parties, ensuring the presence of agents at each station on election day. Stressing the timely delivery of necessary materials to all polling stations, she emphasized the importance of starting the voting process promptly at 7:00 AM.

The training sessions aimed to enhance the skills of election supervisors, clarify their responsibilities, and equip them to navigate potential challenges effectively during the upcoming by-election. The NEC’s call for adherence to laws and procedures underscores the commitment to conducting a credible and lawful electoral process in Tanzania.