Joseph Isangura
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Tanzania has introduced eight new parliamentary constituencies and renamed 12 existing ones.
These changes are part of preparations for the country’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for October 2025.
Speaking to the press at INEC headquarters in Njedengwa, Dodoma, INEC Chairperson and Court of Appeal Judge Jacobs Mwambegele said the adjustments were made following stakeholder consultations held from February 26 to March 2, 2025.
“These changes are necessary to ensure fair representation, especially in areas where population growth and administrative restructuring have altered the landscape of electoral needs,” Judge Mwambegele said.
New Constituencies Created
The eight newly established constituencies are:
- Kivule, split from Ukonga (Dar es Salaam)
- Chamazi, carved from Mbagala
- Mtumba, formed from Dodoma Urban
- Uyole, created from Mbeya
- Bariadi Urban, formed from Bariadi
- Katoro, from Busanda (Geita Region)
- Chato South, split from Chato
- Itwangi, created from Solwa
These additions raise the total number of constituencies in Tanzania to 272, including 222 on the mainland and 50 in Zanzibar.
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Name Changes Reflect Administrative Shifts
In addition to creating new constituencies, INEC approved the renaming of 12 constituencies. These changes reflect ongoing administrative developments and efforts to better align constituency names with their respective localities. Key changes include:
- Chato → Chato North
- Nkenge → Missenyi
- Mpanda Rural → Tanganyika
- Buyungu → Kakongo
- Bariadi → Bariadi Rural
In Singida Region, these changes were made:
- Manyoni East → Manyoni
- Singida North → Ilongero
- Manyoni West → Itigi
- Singida East → Ikungi East
- Singida West → Ikungi West
Elsewhere:
- Tabora North → Uyui
- Handeni Rural → Handeni
New Wards and Electoral Preparation
INEC has also approved the establishment of five new wards to meet administrative and population needs. These include:
- Ngerenyani and Sinonik in Longido District
- Mupi, Bwawani Urban, and Shera in Rufiji District
In preparation for the 2025 general elections, the commission is updating the national voter registry and distributing new voter ID cards.
Judge Mwambegele reaffirmed that the changes were part of ongoing efforts to ensure that each citizen is fairly represented in the democratic process.
“We are making these adjustments to align with the growing and shifting population landscape. It’s about ensuring equity and accountability,” he stated.
The electoral commission is expected to continue engaging stakeholders across the country as the countdown to the October elections continues.
