CCM: Preventing citizens from voting is a criminal offense

Unguja. The ruling party, CCM, has affirmed that while choosing not to vote is a matter of personal choice, any attempt to prevent eligible citizens from exercising their right to vote constitutes a criminal offense.

Speaking in Zanzibar, the CCM’s Secretary of the Special Committee of the National Executive Council (NEC) for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Mr Khamisi Mbeto Khamis, emphasised that no citizen should be coerced either to vote or not to vote.

However, obstructing others from voting—whether by individuals, political groups, or organised factions—violates electoral law.

“Every Tanzanian who meets the legal requirements has the constitutional right to vote,” Mr Mbeto said.

“Deciding not to participate in an election is not a criminal act. But preventing someone from voting is, without question, a crime,” he insisted.

He cited the 1977 Constitution, specifically Article 74, and amendments made to the Electoral Act No. 2 in 2024, which clearly define the act of obstructing voters as a punishable offense.

Mr Mbeto reiterated that the right to vote is enshrined in civil liberties afforded to all Tanzanians and encouraged those who are eligible to ensure they are registered to participate in the democratic process.

“Voting is a civic duty and a constitutional right. While abstaining is an individual's choice, no one—be it a person or a group—has the right to bar others from casting their votes,” he added.

He also warned against the formation of any groups or networks that aim to interfere with voter participation, stating such actions are illegal under Tanzanian law.

Looking ahead to the general elections scheduled for October, Mr Mbeto called on all registered voters to prepare and engage responsibly.

“No individual or institution has the authority to interfere with the electoral process. The conduct of national elections is protected by both the law and the Constitution,” he said.