Joseph Isangura
As Tanzania gears up for the local government elections scheduled for November 27, 2024, concerns regarding the accuracy of voter registration numbers have emerged, prompting opposition leaders to call for transparency.
Godbless Lema, the Chairperson of the Northern Zone of the opposition party, raised significant questions during a press conference held on October 25, 2024, in Arusha.
Lema highlighted discrepancies between the national census conducted in 2022 and the current voter registration figures. According to the census, Dar es Salaam recorded a population of approximately 3.59 million residents. However, the registered voters in the region stand at 3.483 million. “This means that nearly everyone in Dar es Salaam is accounted for in the voter registry, except for a few diplomats and minors,” Lema noted. He raised concerns that even children as young as 6 to 10 years old seem to be included in the voter registration process, questioning the integrity of the data collected.
The issue of inflated voter registration numbers is not confined to Dar es Salaam. In Mwanza, where the census reported a population of 1.95 million, the number of registered voters has inexplicably increased to 2.08 million. “We are witnessing a situation where the registered voters exceed the census population, which is highly alarming,” Lema pointed out, emphasizing the potential for manipulation of voter registration figures.
In Morogoro, the census documented 1.85 million residents, while 1.8 million individuals have reportedly registered to vote. Lema indicated that more than 50% of those recorded in the census were children under the age of 18, further complicating the validity of the statistics. “It appears that all eligible voters in Morogoro have been accounted for, but we must question the accuracy of these figures,” he remarked.
Lema’s statements reflect broader apprehensions about the electoral process in Tanzania and the potential for discrepancies to undermine the democratic rights of citizens. The opposition party has consistently advocated for the protection of these rights, urging the government to ensure that voter registration is conducted transparently and fairly.
As the local elections approach, pressure mounts on the government to address these inconsistencies and reassure the public regarding the integrity of the electoral system. “We are placing our trust in God, believing that the truth will ultimately prevail,” Lema stated, hinting at the possibility of ongoing investigations into the voter registration process.
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The importance of accurate voter registration cannot be overstated, especially as the elections draw nearer. Lema’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by opposition parties in Tanzania, highlighting the necessity for a transparent electoral process where every citizen’s voice is represented.
With citizens eager to exercise their democratic rights, all eyes will be on the government’s response to these concerns. The upcoming local elections will hinge significantly on the reliability of voter registration data, making it imperative for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a fair and inclusive electoral environment.
