Judge Asina Omari, (pictured center) a member of the National Electoral Commission and High Court judge, inspected the voter registration process today in Mwanza, visiting various stations in Magu, Ilemela, and Nyamagana districts. Photo: Courtesy
Mwanza and Shinyanga Residents Turn Out in Droves for Voter Registration as Legal Challenges Loom
By Adonis Byemelwa
Ibadakuli, Shinyanga: Residents of Mwanza and Shinyanga have shown remarkable enthusiasm on the first day of the voter registration update, which began today, August 21, 2024. The registration drive, running until August 27, 2024, has witnessed a significant influx of people, especially youth and women, eager to update their voter details.
Election Commission member and High Court Judge Asina Omari, who assessed the initial day’s progress in Mwanza, reported a smooth start with a high level of public engagement. “The registration process has begun well with a strong turnout from citizens. We’ve seen proactive involvement from both agents and voters,” Judge Omari stated.
Despite minor challenges, such as voters forgetting their previous registration details, these issues are being addressed effectively. Special priority continues to be given to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly, the sick, and those with disabilities, in line with the Commission’s guidelines.
In Shinyanga, Commissioner Ambassador Omar Ramadhan Mapuri noted that the registration process is proceeding efficiently, with many residents actively participating. At the Bulola Mlimani center in Ilemela, Chadema’s Paul Msafiri and CCM’s Lydya Martin reported that the process is running smoothly, with no major problems.
Fatuma Athumani from Chadema, stationed at Miembeni A in Mwanza, urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain their voter cards.
The registration update is set to add 400,082 new voters across Mwanza and Shinyanga, with 190,131 expected in Mwanza and 209,951 in Shinyanga. Photo: Courtesy
The enthusiasm for this process highlights a significant step towards greater electoral participation and democratic engagement.
Meanwhile, a critical legal challenge is unfolding. On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the High Court will hear a petition from Tanzanians Bob Chacha Wangwe, Bubelwa Kaiza, and Ananilea Nkya.
They are contesting the recent decision that the Minister of State in the President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Governments (PO-RALG) will oversee the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.
The petitioners argue that this role should remain under the purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure impartiality and proper management of the elections.
Minister Mohammed Mchengerwa announced on August 15, 2024, that local government elections will take place on November 27, 2025, to elect street, village, and hamlet chairpersons, as well as members of consultative councils.
This move aims to enhance local governance by transferring more power to the people, but it has sparked controversy and legal disputes over the appropriate oversight of the electoral process.
Amid these debates, there has been a notable surge in voter registration, particularly in Shinyanga and Mwanza regions. This increase reflects heightened public engagement and anticipation for the forthcoming elections.
The growing interest in voter registration highlights a broader enthusiasm for participatory governance and highlights the significance of the upcoming local elections in shaping regional leadership and community representation.
