Dar es Salaam. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has cautioned Tanzanian political parties to strictly follow the law in their activities, warning it will not hesitate to act against any violations.
Speaking during a workshop on the Election Expenses Act held on Monday, August 18, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Edmund Mugasha, Head of Subsidies at the Registrar’s Office, urged political parties to be vigilant during the nomination process, noting that his office can report violations to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) even before candidates are officially nominated.
“Party leaders, as you continue with your internal processes of nominating candidates, the Registrar is watchful. Anyone who violates provisions under sections 21, 22, and 23 regarding prohibitions can automatically lose eligibility for nomination by the INEC. The Registrar has that legal authority, and the law has clearly set out that procedure,” Mugasha emphasized.
The workshop, organized by the Registrar’s Office at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), sought to enhance political leaders’ understanding of legal requirements and their responsibilities in ensuring a free and transparent 2025 general election.
On election expenses, Mugasha highlighted that the law grants the Registrar significant powers to enforce compliance. He revealed that election expense declaration forms have already been distributed across the country—covering 272 constituencies and 3,960 wards.
“If you look at sections 36, 50, and 62 of the Election Act, they make it clear that a candidate or INEC can reject anyone if the Registrar confirms they violated election expense laws. This means the Registrar has the mandate to investigate and even raise objections against any candidate who breaches these requirements,” Mugasha elaborated.
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He further stressed that it is the duty of every party and candidate to fill in and submit election expense forms on time, as required by law before nomination day. Failure to comply could lead to disqualification.
Deputy Registrar of Political Parties, Mohammed Ally Ahmed, added that the Election Expenses Act aims to create a level playing field for all candidates regardless of their financial strength.
“The goal is to ensure that political competition is not about money, but about policies and ideas. That is why the Registrar has been empowered to make sure these conditions are observed,” Ahmed said.
The Registrar’s Office also reminded political parties to ensure that their candidates remain transparent about their sources of personal income as well as the funds they intend to use during campaigns.
