INEC sets Nov 4 to fill Chamwino seat

DODOMA: THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set November 4, 2026, as the date for a parliamentary by-election in Chamwino Constituency, Dodoma Region, alongside councilors’ by-elections in 11 wards across Mainland Tanzania. According to a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Elections, Mr Ramadhani Kailima, the byelections follow vacancies in the respective electoral areas.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission received notification from the Speaker of the National Assembly concerning the existence of a vacant parliamentary seat in Chamwino Constituency, Chamwino District Council, Dodoma Region,” the statement said.

The Chamwino parliamentary seat felt vacant after President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed the former MP, Mr Deogratius Ndejembi, as Vice-President. His appointment was made on August 26, 2026 and subsequently confirmed by Parliament on August 28, 2026.

Mr Kailima said the Commission had also received notification from the Minister of State in the President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) regarding 11 vacant councilor positions in Mainland Tanzania.

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He said the vacancies resulted from the deaths of eight councilors at different times and the resignation of three others. The Commission will issue nomination forms for parliamentary candidates in Chamwino and councilor candidates in the 11 wards from October 7 to 13, 2026.

The nomination exercise will be conducted on October 13, followed by election campaigns from October 14 to November 3. The parliamentary byelection in Chamwino and councilors’ by-elections in the 11 wards will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The wards are Nonde in Mbeya City Council, Lugenge in Njombe Town Council, Bargish in Mbulu Town Council, Makole in Muheza District Council, Mwera in Pangani District Council and Oldonyosambu in Ngorongoro District Council. The other wards are Igalula in Uyui District Council, Shelui in Iramba District Council, Mvumi in Kilosa District Council, Nyarero in Tarime District Council and Ilolangulu in Mbogwe District Council.

The Commission reminded political parties, candidates and other election stakeholders to observe the Constitution, laws, regulations, electoral ethics, procedures, guidelines and directives issued by the Commission throughout the election process.