This is an interim statement on the observation of Tanzania Election Monitoring Committee (TEMCO) of the updating of registration of voters in the Permanent National Voters’ Register (PNVR) undertaken by the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Article 74 (6) of the 1977 Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania has entrusted NEC with the responsibility of supervising and coordinating the registration of voters in Presidential, Parliamentary and Councilors’ elections in the United Republic. The exercise of updating the PNVR is a crucial preparatory phase for the forthcoming general elections to be held in October 2020. The updating process involved four main activities, namely registration of first time applicants who have reached the age of 18 years and those who would attain that age by October 2020. Second, it involved voters who had moved into new areas of residence who wished to transfer their registration details. It also provided an opportunity for voters whose cards have been damaged or lost to get new cards. Finally, the updating process involved removing from the PNVR names of voters who had become ineligible, such as the deceased.

The process of updating the PNVR has been completed in 26 regions of Tanzania Mainland and 5 regions of Zanzibar since the official launching of the exercise in Kilimanjaro region on 18 July 2019. Pursuant to provision 40 (1) of Regulations for Updating of the PNVR (GN. 792 and 793 published on 28 December, 2018) and provision 42 (1) of the Local Authorities Updating of the PNVR Regulations of 2018, NEC extended invitation to TEMCO to observe the exercise of updating the PNVR. TEMCO’s observation of the process of updating the PNVR commenced on 1st December 2019 and covered 89 Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in 16 regions of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

The statement, therefore, covers 16 regions of Tanzania, including five of Zanzibar, 89 LGAs and 614 voter registration centres. The statement is divided into five sections, including this introduction. The second part addresses methodological issues. The third section covers voter education. The fourth section is devoted to recruitment and training of voter registration officials. The voter registration process is covered in the fifth section. The sixth section provides conclusions and recommendations.

Please downoad the file below to read complete TEMCO Interim Statement on Observation of Updating of the Permanent National Voters’ Register