DODOMA: Tanzanians from all walks of life have turned out to fulfill their constitutional right by electing leaders to various posts in local government authorities.
A total of 31,282,331 eligible voters were registered for the elections, comprising 15,236,772 men (48.71%) and 16,045,559 women (51.29%). This represents 94.83% of the targeted voters, showing a significant increase compared to the 2019 elections, where 19,681,256 voters were registered, or 86% of the target.
The positions being contested in these elections include 12,280 village chairperson positions, 4,264 street chairperson positions, 63,886 hamlet chairperson positions, 230,834 village council member positions, and 21,320 street committee member positions.
Regarding political party participation, 18 political parties have fielded candidates for 30,977 positions out of 80,430, representing 38.51%. The ruling party, CCM, has fielded candidates for all available positions.
ALSO READ: President Samia casts her vote in Chamwino
Earlier today, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan led by example, casting her ballot in the Local Government Elections at Sokoine Sub-village in Chamwino, Dodoma.
Other top government officials who exercised their constitutional rights include Vice President Philip Mpango, the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Tulia Akson, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr. Doto Biteko, Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama, and the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development Deogratius Ndejembi.
Campaigns for the elections, which began on November 21, 2024, concluded on Tuesday.
Addressing the nation on the significance of local governments in nation-building and enhancing democratic space, President Samia emphasized that local governments play a crucial role in creating a strong nation with sustainable development.
The polls are widely considered free and fair due to a combination of robust legal frameworks, transparency in the process, voter education, and judicial oversight.
The commitment of the government, electoral bodies, and civil society to uphold democratic values has ensured that the election process remains credible, inclusive, and accountable.
