Dos and Don’ts on election day

DODOMA: THE Director of Elections of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ramadhan Kailima, has called on citizens to adhere to electoral laws and regulations as the country approaches next week’s election.

Speaking recently on Uchaguzi TV in Dodoma, Kailima reminded the public that, under the law, no political activities or gatherings are allowed within 300 metres of any polling station on election day.

He stressed the importance of adhering to the regulation to ensure a smooth and fair voting process.

Kailima urged citizens to arrive early at their designated polling stations with their voter identification cards in hand. He also encouraged voters to form separate lines for men and women to help facilitate a smoother and more efficient voting process.

He explained that each polling centre will have security personnel to maintain order and an INEC guide clerk to assist voters in checking their names before proceeding to the voting room.

He emphasised that no electronic devices will be used during the voting or counting process, as the election will follow the traditional paper ballot method, saying only electronic device permitted at polling stations will be INEC’s official camera, used solely for monitoring and documentation purposes.

The Electoral Code of Conduct for Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors’ Elections 2025 outlines several prohibited activities for political parties and candidates during the voting period until the official declaration of results.

Political parties, candidates, their members and supporters are strictly forbidden from conducting any campaign activities on election day. This includes wearing party-branded clothing, displaying campaign symbols or using vehicles bearing party identifiers intended to persuade voters.

The Code further prohibits political leaders, candidates, members or their supporters from engaging in any conduct that may lead to violence or disorder at polling stations, counting centres or tallying centres.

The use of mobile phones or any communication devices inside polling or counting centres is also banned, except for returning officers, presiding officers and polling guards who may use them only when necessary for election-related communication and always in silent or vibration mode.

It is also an offence for political party leaders, members or supporters to persuade others to vote more than once, to prevent or incite voters from turning out, or to use abusive language towards electoral officials.

Furthermore, Kailima emphasised that no party leader, staff member or supporter is permitted to enter or remain unlawfully within any polling, counting or tallying centre.

This measure is in place to maintain the integrity and security of the election process.

Kailima also noted that presiding officers and their assistants have already undergone training to ensure proper management of polling stations on election day.

ALSO READ: Want better leaders? Stop skipping election day

He emphasised the importance of ensuring a peaceful and orderly process to uphold the integrity of the electoral system.

He commended the peaceful atmosphere that has characterised the election campaigns so far, expressing confidence that the voting process will follow suit, remaining both peaceful and orderly.

INEC has set Wednesday’s October 29, 2025, as the election day, when Tanzanians will go to the polls to elect their President, Members of Parliament and Ward councillors.