Profile of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) | Tume Huru ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi

Profile of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) | Tume Huru ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), known in Swahili as Tume Huru ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi, is a pivotal institution in Tanzania responsible for overseeing elections. It ensures the integrity, fairness, and credibility of electoral processes in the country. Established to foster democracy, INEC operates independently to safeguard the democratic rights of citizens, political parties, and candidates.

INEC was officially established on January 13, 1993, following constitutional amendments and legal reforms aimed at transforming Tanzania from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy. These changes were initiated in 1991 when the then-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, the late Ali Hassan Mwinyi, appointed a commission under the leadership of the late retired Chief Justice Francis Nyalali. The commission was tasked with collecting public opinions on whether to continue with a one-party system or adopt a multi-party political system.

Based on the commission’s report, Article 3(1) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977) was amended, allowing Tanzania to become a multi-party democracy. Additionally, the Political Parties Act (No. 5 of 1992) was enacted to facilitate the registration of political parties. The National Election Act (No. 1 of 1985) and the Local Authorities Elections Act (No. 4 of 1979) were also amended to abolish the one-party system and permit elections under a multi-party framework.

In December 2021, Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan formed a task force to evaluate the state of democracy in Tanzania and provide recommendations to improve democratic practices and the political environment. The task force proposed amendments to the National Election Act (Chapter 343) and the Local Authorities Elections Act (Chapter 292), which resulted in the enactment of the Independent National Electoral Commission Act No. 2 of 2024 and the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Councillors’ Elections Act No. 1 of 2024. Following these legal changes, the National Electoral Commission’s name was changed to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission

INEC is established under Article 74(1) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977). In accordance with Articles 74(7) and (11) of the Constitution and Section 6(1) of the Independent National Electoral Commission Act No. 2 of 2024, INEC is an independent department that makes official decisions regarding the execution of its duties during its meetings. The Commission is not obliged to follow any directives from any person, government department, or political party when carrying out its constitutional functions.

Some of the key responsibilities of INEC include:

• Supervising and coordinating the conduct of elections across Tanzania.
• Ensuring that elections are conducted freely, fairly, and transparently.
• Safeguarding democracy for the benefit of citizens, political parties, and candidates.
• Registering and regulating political parties in Tanzania.
• Educating citizens on their electoral rights and the importance of participating in elections.

Vision of the Commission

INEC’s vision is to establish a credible electoral system that guarantees free and fair elections in Tanzania. This vision underlines the Commission’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process.

Mission Statement

The mission of INEC is to supervise and coordinate the conduct of elections in accordance with legal provisions, thereby safeguarding democracy for the benefit of citizens, political parties, and candidates. This mission reflects INEC’s dedication to upholding democratic values and fostering a political environment that is inclusive, fair, and representative of the people’s will.

Contact Information

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Uchaguzi House,
Njedengwa Investment Area,
Block D, Plot No.4,
5 Uchaguzi Road,
P.O. Box 358,
41107 Dodoma, Tanzania.
Email Address: uchaguzi@inec.go.tz
Phone: +255 26 2962345-8
Fax: +255 26 2962348

In conclusion, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of Tanzania’s electoral process. For more updates on job vacancies and opportunities related to the INEC and other institutions in Tanzania, visit ajiraPDF.com, the leading platform for job updates in Tanzania.