CJ stresses impartiality ahead of 2025 polls

DODOMA: CHIEF Justice of Tanzania, Profes sor Ibrahim Juma, has urged judges, registrars, magistrates and court staff to ensure timely and fair hearing and determination of election cases as the country prepares for its General Election scheduled for later this year.

Speaking in Dodoma during the opening of the Judiciary’s General Workers Council, the CJ emphasised the vital role of the courts in resolving election-related disputes and uphold ing public trust in the justice system.

“I urge all judicial officers to handle election-related cases expedi tiously and fairly once they are brought before the court,” he urged.

Professor Juma said that in the Judiciary budget proposal for 2025/2026, adequate funds have been requested to support training programmes for judicial officers and staff for preparation of the upcoming General Election. He said the Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) in Lushoto will lead and coordinate all training related to election matters,” he said.

He also issued a stern warning to judicial staff against engaging in political activities, including affiliating with political parties. The CJ reminded them of Article 113A, which restricts such affiliations but grant them the right to vote.

“The prohibition against political participation by judges of the Court of Appeal, High Court and magistrates of all levels has been clearly stipulated in our Code of Conduct and Ethics for Judicial Officers. I encourage you all to revisit and internalise these ethical guidelines,” he reminded.

Prof Juma noted that anyone who chooses to contest for a political position in the upcoming election and fails will not be reinstated into the Judiciary.

“Although the Code primarily addresses judicial officers, even enabling staff of the Judiciary must maintain neutrality, as they too represent the face of the Judiciary,” he added.

He warned that any act of political alignment by Judiciary staff undermines public confidence, suggesting that justice might be influenced and compromised by political bias.

“We are witnessing intensified efforts on social media to link the Judiciary with politics. However, your neutrality will be judged by your conduct, how you speak, and how you deliver services,” he said.

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He urged all judicial staff to refrain from expressing personal political preferences or showing bias toward any political party or candidate. Instead, he called for early preparations to provide effective services to citizens during the electoral period.

Prof Juma also underscored the need to direct focus and resources toward strengthening services in Primary Courts, especially as the Judiciary begins implementing its new five-year strategic plan.

“It is an undeniable fact that Primary Courts handle cases that account for over 70 per cent of all cases filed in the country.  In essence, they serve the majority of Tanzanians,” he said.

He reminded Judiciary leaders that President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during the inauguration of the new Judiciary headquarters building on April 5, 2025, directed them to give special attention to Primary Courts, which continue to receive public complaints over issues such as corruption, favoritism and unequal treatment.

The CJ acknowledged that the lower courts still face challenges including inadequate infrastructure, staffing and financial resources.

He urged judicial leaders at the regional and district levels to consider population size when proposing new Primary Court buildings.

Following extensive support from the government under President Samia’s administration, Prof Juma urged court officers to devote themselves to the delivery of justice and make decisions based on fairness, in line with the President’s appeal to Judiciary staff.

“Sometimes, we, as leaders and court officials must not wait until a victim of injustice walks into the courtroom. We should instead help connect them with legal aid institutions that can assist them in bringing their cases to court,” he said.

He also pointed to the important role played by media and social media in uncovering and broadcasting cases of injustice, adding that it is the Judiciary’s duty to follow up on such reports and direct affected persons to seek legal advice.