Tanzania confirms participation of Ngorongoro voters in upcoming civic polls

Arusha. The Tanzanian government has confirmed that a total of 12,333 villages, 64,274 hamlets, and 4,269 streets countrywide will participate in the upcoming local government elections, including areas in the Ngorongoro Division that were previously dissolved.

This announcement was made by the Minister of State in the President’s Office [Regional Administration and Local Government Authorities], Mohamed Mchengerwa, during a press briefing in Arusha on Monday, September 16, 2024.

Minister Mchengerwa explained that the administrative distribution for these local government areas was formalised through two government notices.

Government Notice No. 796 of 2024 was issued under Section 30 of the Local Government (District Authorities) Act, Chapter 287, while Government Notice No. 797 of 2024 was issued under Sections 16(1) and 18(1) of the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act, Chapter 288.

These notices not only establish new administrative boundaries but also reinstate areas, including parts of Ngorongoro Division, which were affected by earlier Government Notices No. 673 and 674.

 “This election is a pivotal moment for the advancement of our democracy and local governance,” Mr Mchengerwa remarked.

He emphasised that the inclusion of 12,333 villages, 64,274 hamlets, and 4,269 streets reflects the government's commitment to enhancing administrative representation.

He added that this will help deliver essential social and economic services tailored to the needs of local communities.

Mr Mchengerwa encouraged eligible citizens to register and actively participate in the electoral process, urging candidates to begin preparations. He also underscored the importance of peaceful participation and strict adherence to electoral procedures to ensure the elections run smoothly.

In Ngorongoro District, the announcement was welcomed with enthusiasm.

Ngorongoro District Council Chairman, Marekani Bayo, expressed his support, stating that all 65 villages and 242 hamlets in the district will be involved in the elections.

“This is a significant development for the people of Ngorongoro District. Every citizen’s right to vote and be elected will be fully upheld,” Bayo stated.

He added that the district has completed preparations for the registration and voting process, with the necessary infrastructure already in place.

“We are committed to encouraging all citizens to register and exercise their right to choose their leaders,” he affirmed.

This announcement follows a legal dispute earlier in the year.

On August 22, 2024, the High Court in Arusha issued an injunction against Government Notice No. 673, which had dissolved several wards, villages, and hamlets, including those in Ngorongoro District.

The court ruling, delivered by Judge Ayoub Mwenda, temporarily halted the government's dissolution decision pending further court proceedings.

The legal challenge was filed by Ngorongoro resident Isaya Ole Pose, who was represented by lawyer Peter Njau.

The lawsuit questioned the legality of the government’s decision to dissolve various administrative areas.

The court has scheduled the main petition for hearing on September 26, 2024.

The dissolution of villages and hamlets, which included areas within Ngorongoro, was initially enacted under a government notice issued on August 2, 2024, under Section 30 of the Local Government (District Authorities) Act.

The upcoming local elections are expected to address the administrative changes brought about by these legal developments and reinforce local governance across the affected areas.

With these elections, the Tanzanian government aims to strengthen local governance, ensuring that communities receive improved representation and access to critical services.

As the process moves forward, both the government and local authorities are focused on fostering democratic participation and safeguarding citizens' rights in these elections.