Joseph Isangura
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has nullified ten wards and relocated 292 polling stations following government-approved administrative boundary changes announced earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, October 12, 2025, INEC Chairperson Justice Jacobs Mwambegele said the decision was made after several areas that previously hosted polling centers were legally abolished, forcing the commission to reassign affected voters to new locations.
According to Justice Mwambegele, the adjustments were made in line with Government Notice No. 596 of October 3, 2025, which designated Ulyankulu in Kaliua District (Tabora Region), Katumba in Mpanda District (Katavi Region), and Mishamo in Tanganyika District (Katavi Region) as recognized refugee settlements. These changes were followed by Government Notice No. 600, which redefined administrative boundaries and led to the removal of multiple wards, including Litapunga, Kanoge, Katumba, Mishamo, Ilangu, Bulamata, Ipwaga, Milambo, Igombenkulu, and Kanindo.
The reorganization has immediate political consequences. Seven councillor candidates from the ruling party — who had already been cleared to contest in the affected wards — have now been disqualified from the October elections due to the boundary changes.
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Justice Mwambegele emphasized that the commission’s primary goal is to maintain electoral integrity while ensuring every registered voter retains access to a valid polling station. “We are working closely with district authorities to ensure that no citizen loses the right to vote because of these adjustments,” he said.
The relocation of nearly 300 polling stations is expected to affect thousands of voters, many of whom will need to travel to new polling locations. INEC has assured the public that updated voter information and maps will be released promptly through official channels.
Election observers have described the move as a significant test of the commission’s logistical and administrative capacity. Analysts note that while such changes are sometimes unavoidable due to shifting boundaries and demographic realities, they also highlight the challenges of maintaining an inclusive and transparent electoral process.
The INEC chairperson further urged political parties and community leaders to support public awareness campaigns so that voters can easily locate their new polling stations before election day.
