RUKWA: THE National Electoral Commission (NEC) has urged returning officers at ward and constituency levels to comply with and adhere to the law in carrying out their duties to avoid complaints during the by-election for councilors in 23 wards.
This was stated by NEC chairperson, Judge of the High Court Justice Jacobs Mwambegele, during his recent one day working tour in Rukwa Region where he inspected the ongoing campaigns in Kabwe Ward to fill the vacant ward councilor position left by the late councillor Asante Lubinsha, who passed away on July 21, 2023.
NEC recently announced the schedule for by-elections in 23 wards across Mainland Tanzania, set for March 20 of this year.
The 23 wards are located in 13 regional administrations on mainland Tanzania, home to 18 councils. Updating journalists in Namanyere Town, Judge Mwambegele said the byelections for vacant councillor positions in 23 wards in mainland Tanzania are expected to be conducted by March 20 this year.
He further explained that in Kabwe Ward, six candidates from the ruling party CCM, Chadema, ACT-Wazalendo, NCCR-Mageuzi, UDP, Chauma and ADATADEA are vying to fill the vacancy.
“Election is a process that involves various legal actions and procedures that must be followed and adhered to, as they are the foundation of a good and efficient election,” he stated.
Adding: “I advise election supervisors to follow and adhere to the instructions given by the Commission instead of conducting the elections based on customary practices, even if they have supervised several elections in the past.”
Equally, Justice Mwambegele called upon all voters in 23 wards to turn up in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right by casting their votes to elect ward councillors to fill positions that were left vacant for various reasons.
He further mentioned that after Kabwe Ward, he would tour Nkokwa Ward in Kyela District Council, Mbeya and Kasingilima Ward in Kigoma Region.
