editor
Today in Dodoma, election stakeholders signed the Electoral Code of Ethics, but the main opposition party, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), was conspicuously absent from the event.
According to Sections 162 (1), (2), and (3) of the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Councillor Elections Act No. 1 of 2024, all political parties and candidates aiming for presidential, parliamentary, and councillorship positions are required to sign this code. Failure to do so disqualifies them from participating in the election.
During the ceremony at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, Commission Chairman Judge (rtd) Jacobs Mwambegele inquired whether CHADEMA had been contacted. Director of Elections Mr. Ramadhan Kailima confirmed that the party had been reached out to, but no representatives attended to sign the code.
Judge Mwambegele emphasized that Section 162(2) mandates all stakeholders to sign the code on the same day, with no exceptions or extensions allowed.
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This clarification followed a request from a CHAUMA Party representative seeking to understand the consequences of not signing.
Throughout the signing session, the INEC Chairman called for CHADEMA’s expected representative, Secretary General Mr. John Mnyika, three times, but no one arrived, leaving their designated seat empty.
The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Policy, Parliament, and Coordination, Dr. Jim Yonazi, signed on behalf of the government, while Justice Mwambegele signed for INEC.
