Key hiccups as Tanzanians elect local government leaders
What you need to know:
- While the election was generally peaceful, challenges were reported in several polling stations. Many voters struggled to locate their names in the voter registry, causing delays and frustration.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, cast her vote in the ongoing Local Government Elections, urging Tanzanians to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
The elections, held every five years, are being conducted across Tanzania Mainland to elect leaders for 12,333 villages, 4,269 neighborhoods, and 64,274 hamlets.
Speaking after voting at Sokoine Polling Station in Chamwino, Dodoma, President Hassan highlighted the importance of participation in strengthening democracy.
“All eligible voters should exercise their right to vote, which is essential to our democratic system. The results must represent the choices made on the ballots. I am confident that Tanzanians will participate responsibly,” she said.
President Samia expressed optimism about the election’s progress, citing improved voter turnout at her polling station compared to previous years.
She urged voters to maintain peace and respect throughout the process.
“My second call is for voters to act safely and respectfully. Any disruptions to peace are unacceptable. Let us ensure that this election and all others are conducted harmoniously,” she added.
While the election was generally peaceful, challenges were reported in several polling stations. Many voters struggled to locate their names in the voter registry, causing delays and frustration.
At Ilala Boma Polling Station in Dar es Salaam, Ms. Erica Jeremiah expressed her concerns about the arrangement of voter names.
“This arrangement is confusing. For an elderly person like me, it becomes even harder,” she said. Voters suggested arranging names alphabetically to make the process more efficient.
In Tabata Segerea, Ms Farida Athumani noted that finding names was time-consuming. “It would be much easier if the names were arranged alphabetically,” she said.
Other voters highlighted delays that discouraged participation. “The majority of young people have opted to pursue income-generating activities and plan to return later to vote,” said Mr. Karim Hassan at Juhudi Polling Station in Mwembe Madafu Neighborhood, Dar es Salaam.
In Mbeya Region, Mr. Emmanuel Elias reported confusion regarding polling stations. “I’ve been here since 1 a.m., but I can’t find my name on the list. The writing is unclear,” he said.
Geita Municipality Executive Director Yefred Myenzi explained that names were displayed as registered to avoid complaints of tampering.
He acknowledged the need to improve organization in future elections.
“This is a residents' register, which differs from the permanent one. We displayed it as it was. Any changes, such as arranging names alphabetically, could lead to other concerns,” he said.
Voters at other polling stations, including Sinza, Manzese and Musoma, shared similar frustrations. Some said the difficulties discouraged participation, particularly for women with children and elderly citizens.
Despite these challenges, the elections have been commended for their overall peace and orderliness. President Samia expressed confidence that Tanzanians would elect capable leaders to support community development.
The elections follow the 2019 civic polls, which were boycotted by the opposition over concerns of alleged irregularities. This year’s elections are viewed as a significant step in strengthening grassroots democracy and fostering social and economic progress.
Election observers have recommended addressing organizational shortcomings to ensure smoother future elections, particularly the upcoming General Election.
Reported by Sharon Sauwa and Rachel Chibwete (Dodoma); Ramadahan Ismail, Salome Gregory, Gadiosa Lamtey, and Julius Maricha (Dar es Salaam); Saddam Sadick (Mbeya); Rehema Matowo (Geita); and Beldina Nyakeke (Mara).