Observers urged to uphold intergrity, impartiality
DAR ES SALAAM: LOCAL and international election observers have been urged to strictly adhere to national laws and avoid any actions that could interfere with or influence the electoral process during the October 2025 General Election.
The call was made on Friday by High Court Judge and Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Justice Asina Omari, while officiating at a one-day working session with election observers.
The meeting aimed to equip the observers with key information, guidance and directives to enable them to discharge their duties effectively and in accordance with the law.
In her remarks, Justice Omari reminded the participants to execute their responsibilities with integrity, impartiality and independence, while fully adhering to national legislation and the 2025 Election Observers’ Code of Conduct.
She cautioned observers against interfering with electoral activities, showing disrespect towards election officials, or issuing directives to commission staff on how to perform their duties.
“Observers should avoid interfering in electoral activities, showing mockery towards election officials, or issuing directives to commission officers on how to perform their duties,” said Justice Omari.
She further stressed that any complaints or irregularities should be reported to INEC through official channels.
During the session, observers received presentations on several key areas, including election preparedness, delivered by the Director of Elections, security issues presented by a representative from the Tanzania Police Force and health considerations outlined by a representative from the Ministry of Health.
The observers were also provided with various reference documents to support their fieldwork, including the Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors’ Elections Act No 1 of 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission Act No 2 of 2024, the 2025 Electoral Regulations, the 2025 Electoral Code of Ethics and the 2025 Election Observers’ Guidelines.
Additionally, each observer was issued an official identification card and instructed to wear it at all times while on duty.
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They were also advised to introduce themselves to electoral supervisors in the areas they visit to facilitate cooperation and access assistance when necessary.
