Council inks plan to split Dodoma Urban constituency
DODOMA: DODOMA City Council has endorsed a proposal to divide Dodoma Urban Constituency, with a population of 795,000 registered voters, into two electoral constituencies namely Dodoma and Mtumba.
Following the decision, Dodoma Constituency will remain with 21 wards and 412,000 voters while the newly formed Mtumba Constituency be comprised of 20 wards with 383,000 constituents.
Dodoma Urban MP Anthony Mavunde commended the council for endorsing the plan, noting that Dodoma Urban is among the country’s largest constituencies, with four divisions, 41 wards and 222 streets.
“The division will improve public service delivery, facilitate easy access to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and enhance infrastructure development,” said Mavunde who doubles as the Minister for Minerals.
He added that government initiatives will ensure both constituencies benefit from various development projects under the Dodoma City Council.
“This move will significantly boost development, ensuring Dodoma City attains remarkable progress,” he said.
Presenting the proposal, Dodoma City Council Election Officer Albert Kasoga said the decision was based on economic factors, population density, urban planning, availability of social services such as schools and health facilities and accessibility to communication infrastructure, including roads and telecommunications.
Meanwhile, Chahwa Ward Councillor Sospeter Mazengo praised the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for addressing the challenge of overpopulated constituencies.
“With over 700,000 people in Dodoma, this division will bring services closer to the people, increase access to CDF funds and accelerate development. I commend the government and NEC for this opportunity,” he said.
The move aligns with Article 75 of the 1977 Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which grants NEC the authority to review and demarcate electoral boundaries.
It also complies with Regulation 18(1) and (3) of the 2024 NEC Regulations.
