The Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Court of Appeal Judge Jacobs Mwambegele, has urged officials overseeing the 2025 general elections to engage with political party leaders to discuss key issues, including ensuring that party primaries are conducted in accordance with the law.

Judge Mwambegele issued these directives on behalf of the Commission while concluding a three-day training for election officials in Shinyanga Region on July 23, 2025. 

The training sessions have been conducted in various regions across the country in two phases involving election coordinators, returning officers, and assistant returning officers at the constituency level.

“You are required to apply the knowledge gained from this training in your day-to-day election duties by starting with meetings with political parties, distributing nomination forms, and overseeing the nomination of parliamentary candidates. Ensure that the issuing of nomination forms and the nomination process at the ward level is carried out in line with legal provisions,” he stated.

Judge Mwambegele reminded the officials of their duty to train polling station officials and to coordinate and manage elections at the polling station level with professionalism and competence.

The Commission continues its preparations for the general elections for the President of Tanzania, Members of Parliament, and Councilors, which are expected to be held in October.

Meanwhile, the Commission’s Vice Chairperson, retired Court of Appeal Judge Mbarouk Salim Mbarouk, while closing a similar training for officials in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, emphasized the importance of using the media to share information with the public and stakeholders about various electoral matters.

“Ensure you prepare adequately before engaging with the media. Evaluate the information you intend to share to avoid causing unnecessary alarm instead of promoting calmness in your area and the country at large,” he advised.