Ensure non Tanzanians don’t register for civil polls, RC tells DEDs, DCs
KATAVI : Regional Commissioner Ms Mwanamvua Mrindoko has directed District Commissioners (DCs) and District Executive Directors (DEDs) to remain vigilant against non-residents registering in the residence register, warning that such actions could undermine the election process.
Katavi shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi, across Lake Tanganyika. “It is crucial to prevent non-residents from registering, as this could compromise the integrity of the elections,” she emphasised.
On Friday, the RC led a registration effort at Ilembo area of Mpanda Municipality, encouraging residents to register and actively participate in the upcoming local government elections. “Participating in elections is a constitutional right that allows citizens to choose their leaders,” she stated.
She further explained that participation in local government elections is a fundamental democratic right, enabling citizens to select leaders who will oversee community development.
Additionally, the RC urged the media to enhance civic education ahead of the local government elections.
“Electing leaders is crucial for our country’s development, as local government elections directly impact people’s lives. Eligible citizens are encouraged to exercise their constitutional right to choose their preferred leaders or to run for office,” she added.\
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She highlighted the vital role local government leaders play in managing development projects in areas such as infrastructure, health services, education and security.
She also stressed the importance of providing citizens with proper civic education to ensure they understand their responsibilities in the electoral process.
“Without this knowledge, many may neglect their civic duties in the upcoming elections. The local government election is critical and we want trustworthy candidates who truly represent the citizens’ choices.
That is the essence of elections,” she said. The registration exercise began on October 11 and will run through October 20 this year, while nomination forms will be collected and returned between November 1 and November 7, 2024.
Campaigns will take place from November 20 to November 26. In a recent address to journalists, the Director of Information Services and Government Chief Spokesperson Mr Thobias Makoba called on leaders at all levels—both central and local—to intensify awareness campaigns encouraging Tanzanians with the requisite qualifications to register for the upcoming polls.
“The government also reminds all stakeholders to provide civic education to clarify that registering for civic elections is separate from registering for next year’s general election,” he was quoted as saying.
He emphasised that the registration for civic polls, which began on October 11 is being managed by the President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), while registration for the general election is being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
