INEC prepares officials for 12 by-elections

TABORA: ELECTION officials appointed to oversee upcoming by-elections have been directed to uphold their oaths of office, adhere to electoral laws and regulations and avoid performing their duties routinely.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman and Court of Appeal Judge Jacobs Mwambegele issued the directive yesterday while opening a three-day training session for election officials in Tabora.

“I congratulate you on your appointment, but respect the oaths you have taken for the positions to which you have been appointed. Do not perform your duties routinely. Observe the Constitution, electoral laws, regulations and all instructions issued by the Commission,” Judge Mwambegele said.

He urged the officials to discharge their responsibilities professionally and ensure that all registered political parties are fully involved in the electoral process.

The training is part of preparations for 12 by-elections to fill a vacant parliamentary seat in Chamwino Constituency, Chamwino District, Dodoma Region and councillor positions in 11 wards across Mainland Tanzania.

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Judge Mwambegele directed the officials to identify all areas where the by-elections will be conducted and familiarise themselves with polling stations in their respective areas.

He also instructed them to provide political parties with lists of polling stations in good time to enable them to plan and deploy their election agents.

The INEC chairman further directed the officials to recruit qualified polling-station personnel, cautioning them against favouring relatives, friends or acquaintances who did not meet the required qualifications.

“Make sure you recruit officials who have the ability to perform these duties and do not favour relatives, friends or acquaintances who do not have the qualifications,” he said.

Judge Mwambegele stressed that strict adherence to electoral procedures was essential in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to election officials.

The training brought together Regional Election Coordinators, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers at constituency and ward levels, Election Officers, Procurement Officers and Accountants.