INEC calls for proper handling of PVR kits

DODOMA: THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on voter registration officers to be vigilant in managing ensuring proper handling of registration equipment.

The directive was issued over the weekend in Dodoma Region by INEC Vice-Chairman, Retired Judge Mbarouk Salim Mbarouk, during the opening of a training session for regional and district registration officers.

The training aimed to build capacity among officers for the effective execution of the PVR updating process. According to INEC, this training is part of preparations for the fifth phase of the PVR updating exercise.

The upcoming regions for this phase include Dodoma, Singida and parts of Manyara Region (Mbulu Town Council, Kiteto and Simanjoro districts).

“This registration equipment are expensive and crucial for the completion of the updating process. Failure to properly maintain this vital equipment could impede the completion of this crucial task,” Judge Mbarouk emphasised.

He also urged officers to follow all commission instructions to perform their duties effectively once the process begins.

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The next phase of the updating exercise will commence in Dodoma, Singida and parts of Manyara region from September 25 to October 1 this year.

So far, INEC has completed the exercise in several regions, including Kigoma, Tabora, Katavi, Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Mara and parts of Manyara.

The exercise was initially launched at Kawawa Grounds in Kigoma Region on July 20th this year by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.

INEC anticipates registering more than five million new voters nationwide and removing over 500,000 voters who no longer meet the qualifications to remain on the register.

Following these updates, the permanent voter’s register is expected to include a total of 34,746,638 voters.

The updating exercise began with the use of upgraded Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits, which have been improved to ensure smooth operation.

Notably, the new kits have been reduced in weight from 35 kilogrammes to 18 kilogrammes, despite the system being digitised.