Tanzania PM Warns Civil Society on Election Guidelines During Voter Registration Overhaul

By Adonis Byemelwa

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has issued a stern warning to 157 civil society organizations (CSOs) authorized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide voter education. Majaliwa cautioned these organizations against engaging in activities outside the guidelines and agreements established with the government.

Speaking today, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Kawawa Stadium in Kigoma Ujiji Municipality, Kigoma region, during the launch of the permanent voter register update, Majaliwa emphasized that despite having permits, these organizations must adhere to other national laws while carrying out their duties.

"You can’t just do whatever you want and say, 'I have a permit, here it is...I have the right.' No! You must understand that this country has laws, and while conducting this exercise, alongside its specific law, other national laws must be followed.

So, adhere to those conditions," he asserted. Majaliwa stressed the importance of sticking strictly to the guidelines provided and not straying into unauthorized activities. "It is essential to avoid issues that are not included in the guidelines or permits you have been given. We want this exercise to be completed as intended."

Majaliwa stated that even when these organizations wish to educate citizens in meeting rooms or public gatherings, they should focus solely on election-related topics and avoid introducing unacceptable content. In addition to INEC permitting these organizations to provide education, 33 domestic and eight international organizations have also been authorized to observe the voter registration and updating process.

In another directive, Majaliwa instructed the prison service and training institutions in Zanzibar to establish enabling infrastructure to facilitate INEC's duties efficiently when registering and updating the information of inmates serving sentences of less than six months.

 "The Immigration Service must educate the public about identifying and reporting the presence of non-citizens. They are also responsible for regularly visiting these registration centers to ensure that no foreign nationals are registering in the voter register.

 By doing so, you can effectively collaborate with citizens in identifying those who do not qualify for Tanzanian citizenship," Majaliwa stated.

As well, Majaliwa directed the Police Force to avoid excessive use of force while maintaining security and safety in all areas where registration will take place. He urged INEC to act responsibly and swiftly remove any officials found violating the ethical standards of this task, citing that some individuals refuse to follow procedures.

 "Some officials have reached a point where they believe no one else matters, and they start engaging in unacceptable behaviors," he explained.

Majaliwa also encouraged opposition parties to mobilize citizens to update their information and register in the voter register. He reminded them that they have the legal right to place their agents at each registration center under Section 27(1) of the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Elections Act No. 1 of 2024. He urged political party leaders to ensure these agents are locals who understand the eligibility criteria for registration and voting.

Earlier, INEC Chairman Judge Jacobs Mwambegele, in his briefing to Majaliwa, stated that the commission is mandated to update the voter register twice between one general election and the nomination day of the next general election.

"The last time the commission updated the register was in 2019/20, so this launch marks the first phase of updating the permanent voter register, starting today, July 20, 2024, and ending in March 2025, allowing for a second phase," he said.

Judge Mwambegele explained that the update would occur in 13 rounds, the first starting today and covering the regions of Kigoma, Tabora, and Katavi. Each round will last seven days, with registration centers open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

 In Zanzibar, the exercise will take place from October 7 to 13, 2024, in compliance with Section 13 (1)(2) of the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Elections Act No. 1 of 2024. The update allows anyone in Zanzibar who does not qualify to register with the Zanzibar Electoral Commission but is eligible to vote for the President of the United Republic of Tanzania to register.

He noted that a total of 40,126 centers would be used for the register update, with 39,709 in mainland Tanzania and 417 in Zanzibar, marking an increase of 2,312 centers.

 According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, over 5.5 million new voters who have reached the age of 18 or will do so by the 2025 general election are expected to register.

 He assured that all necessary preparations, including the purchase of 6,000 electronic registration devices (BvR Kits) using the Android operating system, have been completed.

Prime Minister Majaliwa's directives and the detailed plans laid out by INEC aim to ensure a smooth and lawful voter registration process, enhancing the integrity of the electoral system in Tanzania.