Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Friday registered for voting in the civic polls slated for Nov. 27, said the presidency.
Hassan registered in Sokoine village in the Chamwino District of the Dodoma Region, urging fellow citizens to register in large numbers ahead of the polls to enable them to participate in the democratic process.
The Directorate of Presidential Communications said registration for the civic polls would run from Friday until Oct. 20.
The local government elections will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, declaring the day as public holiday to give more opportunity to all people to cast their votes.
President Samia made the remarks on Friday in Dodoma during the official launch of the voter registration exercise spanning from October 11 until October 20, 2024.
President Samia stressed that failure to participate in the registration is the violation of the country’s constitution.
“Our Constitution, under Article 45 (1), establishes regional governance systems, while Article 46 (1) provides a framework for these structures. Not participating in this exercise is a direct violation of the constitution that governs our country,” said President Samia.
She further highlighted the vital role the local government leaders play in development and security within their respective communities, given their familiarity with the residents.
“These leaders link the government with people at the grassroots over essential needs. If you don’t vote and end up with an ineffective leader, you have to blame it on yourself. But if you participate, you can choose someone who is truly capable of serving you,” she said.
President Samia also emphasized that the registration and election process should be conducted peacefully from the initial registration phase to the voting.
Clarifying the process, President Samia noted that eligible citizens must register both for the November local government elections and for next year’s general election.
According to the statement, Hassan declared Nov. 27, the voting date, a public holiday
