MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set November 4, 2026, as the date for a parliamentary by-election in Chamwino Constituency, Dodoma Region, alongside councillor elections in 11 wards across Mainland Tanzania.
According to a statement issued by INEC Director of Elections Ramadhani Kailima on September 25, the elections will be held to fill vacant leadership positions in the affected constituencies and wards.
The Chamwino parliamentary seat became vacant following the appointment of then-MP Deogratius John Ndejembi as Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania. President Samia Suluhu Hassan nominated Ndejembi on August 26, 2026, and Parliament approved his appointment on August 28. His elevation subsequently left the Chamwino parliamentary seat vacant.
INEC said it received notification from the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the vacant parliamentary position in Chamwino Constituency, Chamwino District, Dodoma Region.
The Commission also received information from the minister responsible for local government concerning 11 vacant councillor positions in Mainland Tanzania. According to the electoral authority, eight vacancies resulted from the deaths of councillors at different times, while three were created following resignations.
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Election Timetable
INEC has announced that nomination forms for parliamentary and councillor candidates will be issued from October 7 to 13, 2026. The nomination exercise itself will take place on October 13.
Campaigns will begin on October 14 and continue until November 3, one day before polling.
Voting for the Chamwino parliamentary seat and the 11 councillor positions will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The 11 wards scheduled to hold councillor by-elections are Nonde in Mbeya City Council, Lugenge in Njombe Town Council, Bargish in Mbulu Town Council, Makole in Muheza District Council, Mwera in Pangani District Council and Oldonyosambu in Ngorongoro District Council.
The remaining wards are Igalula in Uyui District Council, Shelui in Iramba District Council, Mvumi in Kilosa District Council, Nyarero in Tarime District Council and Ilolangulu in Mbogwe District Council.
INEC has urged political parties, candidates and all other electoral stakeholders to comply with the Constitution, electoral laws, regulations, code of ethics, procedures, guidelines and directives issued by the Commission throughout the election process.
The announcement comes as INEC begins preparations for the by-elections, including voter education and arrangements for election observers. The Commission’s official website lists separate September 25 notices inviting election observers and civil society organisations to participate in voter education for the Chamwino and 11 ward by-elections.
The Chamwino contest will fill a parliamentary seat that became vacant following Ndejembi’s transition from constituency representation to the Vice Presidency, while the ward elections will restore representation in local government areas affected by the reported vacancies.
