DODOMA: ABOUT 45 per cent of eligible Tanzanians have registered on the voter roll for the upcoming Local Government Election scheduled for November 27th this year.
These figures come just four days after the registration process was opened last Friday by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. President Samia led Tanzanians in a 10-day exercise to register for the much awaited 2024 civic polls.
The Head of State registered at her Chamwino village office just outside the main gate of the State House in the country’s capital, where she asked all eligible Tanzanians to follow the suit.
Speaking immediately after being listed in the register, Dr Samia asked Tanzanians to utilise the given period to exercise their democratic rights by ensuring that they register as well as participate in the election. And, the response has so far been perfect, according to the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mohamed Mchengerwa (pictured).
Addressing journalists on the trends of the registration process yesterday in Mwanza Region, minister Mchengerwa said the exercise was going on well with 45 per cent of eligible voters already registered.
He mentioned five regions that have performed well in terms of percentages, including Tanga (54.7), Ruvuma (46.5), Njombe (45.1), Songwe (44.6) and Iringa (40.6).
The minister also applauded eligible Tanzanians who have turned out and participated in the registration exercise.
“In all 26 regions, we have managed to register 45 per cent of Tanzanians who are eligible to vote on November 27, 2024. Attaining 45 per cent in just four days is a significant milestone and perhaps the first time since the multi-party system began,” he said.
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He urged eligible Tanzanians who have not yet registered on the residential register for the local government elections to do so, as the registration process will close on October 20 this month.
“I urge Tanzanians not to wait until the last minute. For those who are yet to register, which is over 55 per cent, please go and register at your centres to avoid confusion after the voters’ list is released,” he added.
Regions that are below average include Katavi, Kilimanjaro, Geita, Kigoma and Manyara. Minister Mchengerwa said some regions have large populations but registration levels are below 40 per cent. He mentioned the regions as Dar es Salaam (35.3), Mwanza (34.2), Morogoro (37.9), Dodoma (38.5), Tabora (27.7) and Kagera (34.8).
Mr Mchengerwa also said that the government will continue to uphold all principles of good governance, ensuring local government election is conducted in accordance with rules, procedures and guidelines, while maintaining peace and stability across the country.
Coupled with this news, he urged Regional Commissioners (RCs) and local council officials to encourage citizens to register on the voter roll for the coming polls.
“Regional Commissioners (RCs) should continue to motivate people within their areas to address the challenge of low registration rates, particularly in areas with large populations but participation is below 40 per cent,” he asserted.
He also instructed the RCs across the country to closely monitor election officials to ensure compliance with election guidelines, rules and procedures.
“Anyone found violating the guidelines, rules and procedures will face stern disciplinary action,” he warned.
He also urged election stakeholders, especially political parties, to adhere to election laws, rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth election process.
Furthermore, he called on security organs in every district to continue monitoring and to take strict action against elements that may lead to breach of peace. Mr Mchengerwa added that the docket will continue to raise public awareness on local government election, so that they can understand their rights and responsibilities.