Adhere to PVR update guidelines, INEC urges

ZANZIBAR: THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Mr Omar Ramadhan Mapuri has called on officials involved in the Permanent Voter Register (PVR) update exercise in prisons across Mainland Tanzania to strictly follow the guidelines provided by the commission to ensure efficient and effective process.

Speaking in Dodoma on Tuesday during the closing of a three-day training session for Coordinators, Assistant Registration Officers and Biometric Equipment Operators assigned to prisons in Mainland Tanzania, Mr Mapuri said the training coincided with a similar programme for officers in reform institutions in Zanzibar.

He said the trainings are all part of INEC’s broader preparations to register and update voter information for detainees, prisoners and students who are serving less than six months sentences.

“The training and instructions you have received are essential tools to help you fulfil your responsibilities. You must apply them effectively to ensure this exercise is conducted professionally and accurately. Make sure you read the instruction manuals thoroughly to ensure your work meets the required standards,” he said.

He urged the officers to continue reaching out coordinators for clarification on issues that may arise during the registration process.

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In a related event in Unguja, Zanzibar, INEC Commissioner and High Court Judge Asina Omari echoed similar sentiments while closing the corresponding training for officers in reform institutions.

She emphasised the importance of safeguarding registration equipment.

“You are strongly reminded to handle the registration equipment with utmost care, as these tools were procured at high cost, there should be no negligence in handling the equipment,” said Judge Asina.

She reminded the officials to strictly adhere to official opening and closing hours for voter registration centres and encouraged them to maintain respectful and courteous conduct when interacting with members of the public.

According to the schedule released by INEC, the voter register update exercise in prisons and reform institutions will be conducted over seven days, from June 28 to July 4, 2025.

The process targets the registration of detainees and inmates serving sentences of less than six months.