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Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
contact the ACE facilitators .
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The United Republic of Tanzania shall be demarcated into constituencies of such number and in such manner as shall be determined by the Electoral Commission after obtaining the consent of the President.
Source: Constitution, art. 75 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/11/07
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . The Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall be responsible for examining the boundaries and divide the Republic Union in various areas for parliamentary elections.
Source: Constitution Art 74(6)(c): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/11/07
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
e . Geographic size of district g . Other
Comments: In delimiting the boundaries of electoral constituencies, the Electoral Commission shall duly consider the availability of means of communication, as well as the geographical conditions of the area intended to be divided into electoral constituencies.
Source: Constitution, art. 75 (3): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/11/07
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
b . Citizen population
Comments: The Electoral Commission may from time to time, and at least every ten years, review the division of the United Republic into electoral constituencies, and may change electoral constituencies as a result of such review or as a
result of the results of the census of all people in the United Republic.
Source: Constitution 75(4): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/11/07
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall have the power to review and demarcate the boundaries of constituencies after obtaining the consent of the President.
Source: Constitution, art. 74 (6-c), 75 (2): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/11/07
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
d . Changes in distribution of total population k . Boundaries redrawn every____period of years
Comments: The Electoral Commission may from time to time, and at least every ten years, review the division of the United Republic into electoral constituencies, and may change electoral constituencies as a result of such review or as a
result of the results of the census of all people in the United Republic.
Source: Constitution 75(4: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf)
Verified: 2025/11/07
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government b . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The president is the Head of State, the Head of Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Any presidential candidate shall be declared duly elected President only if he has obtained majority of votes.
Source: Constitution, art. 33, 41 (1-6): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/11/07
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
a . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The president is the Head of State, the Head of Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Any presidential candidate shall be declared duly elected President only if he has obtained majority of votes.
Source: Constitution, art. 41: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There shall be a President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Source: Constitution, art. 33 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: 62(1): There shall be a Parliament of the Untied Republic which shall consist of two parts, that is to say, the President and the National Assembly.
64(1): Legislative power in relation to all Union Matters and also in relation to all other matters concerning Mainland Tanzania is vested in Parliament.
Source: Constitution, art. 62, 64 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
e . Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies) j . Other
Comments: 272 members are elected by plurality vote in single-member constituencies and 102 special reserved seats are allocated to women in proportion to the number of votes obtained by each party. In addition, 5 members are elected among the Zanzibar House of Representatives and 10 members are appointed by the President. The attorney-general and the speaker of the National Assembly are ex-oficio members.
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 86A: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf;
Constitution, art. 66 (1), 77, 78: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
c . Largest Remainder Method (Quota)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
b . Specially delimited constituencies
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Thirty percent seats are reserved for women.
Source: Constitution - Article 66 (1) (b): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: The National Elections Act 2010: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Constitution: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
The Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors Elections Act: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458586-SHERIA%20YA%20UCHAGUZI%20WA%20RAIS,%20WABUNGE%20NA%20MADIWANI%20YA%20MWAKA%202024.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 5 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
b . National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . Presidential elections are held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: Every proceeding for the purposes of determining the question whether the election or appointment of any person to be Member of Parliament was valid or not shall first be instituted and heard in the High Court of the United Republic.
Source: Constitution, art. 83 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
The National Elections Act 2010, art. 110: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: Presidential, parliamentary and local Councillors elections.
Source: Constitution, art. 74 (6): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: All expenses incurred by the Commission, including the remuneration are charged on and paid out of the consolidated fund, which is a public fund.
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 122: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Controller and Auditor General has the responsibility to ensure that the use of money proposed to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund has been authorized and it has been used for the stipulated purpose.
Source: Constitution, art. 136, 143: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: A commissioner ceases to be a member of the Commission after the expiry of five years from the date of his/her appointment or if any event arises which, if he/she were not a member of the Commission, would cause him/her to be disqualified for appointment as a Commissioner.
Source: Constitution, art. 74 (4): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: For the better carrying out of its functions, the Electoral Commission shall be an autonomous department. In discharging its functions, the Electoral Commission shall not be obliged to comply with orders or directions of any person or any government department or the views of any political party.
Source: Constitution, art. 74 (7, 11): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The National Electoral Commission shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice chairman and five other members.
Source: Constitution, art. 74 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 74 (1, 3):https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State
Comments: Constitution Article 74.1: There shall be an Electoral Commission of the United Republic which shall consist of following members to be appointed by the President.
Source: Constitution, art. 74 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations i . Media
Comments: One of the responsibilities of INEC is to provide voter education in Tanzania and co-ordinate and supervise persons who conduct such education.
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 4C: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: The efforts are first and foremost being made by the electoral commission as well as participating political parties.
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 4C: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement g . Internet
Comments: Voter education was carried out through various media platforms, including radio and social media.
Source: 2025 AUEOM Preliminary Statement: https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/preliminary-statement-african-union-elections-obervation-mission-to-the-tanzania-2025-general-elections.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Every citizen of the United Republic who has attained the age of eighteen years is entitled to vote in any election held in Tanzania.
Source: Constitution, art. 5 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: Every citizen of the United Republic who has attained the age of eighteen years is entitled to vote in any election held in Tanzania.
Source: Constitution, art. 5 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration d . Mental disability f . Multiple Citizenship
Comments: Parliament may enact a law imposing conditions restricting a citizen
from exercising the right to vote by reason of any of the following grounds:
(a) being a citizen of another state;
(b) being mentally infirm;
(c) being convicted of certain specified criminal offences; or
(d) omission or failure to prove or to produce evidence as to age,
citizenship or registration as a voter.
Source: Constitution, art. 5 (2): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The INEC supervises and co-ordinates the registration of voters.
Source: Constitution, art. 74 (6-a): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: Candidates must be nominated in writing by no less than 25 registered voters residing in the constituency where they intend to contest and pay a deposit of 50,000 TSh (€ 25).
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 38, 38Α: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship i . Minimum level of literacy j . Other
Comments: Any person shall be qualified for election or appointment as a Member of Parliament if he/she is a citizen of the United Republic who has attained the age of twenty-one years and who can read and write in Kiswahili or
English and is a member and a candidate proposed by a political party.
Source: Constitution, art. 67 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
The National Elections Act 2010, art. 36: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration b . Detention c . Criminal record
Comments: A person shall not be qualified to be elected or appointed Member of
Parliament if -
(a) such person possesses or voluntarily acquires the citizenship of any
other country;
(b) in accordance with a law applicable in the Untied Republic it has
been formally certified that such person is of unsound mind;
(c) such person has been convicted by any court in the United
Republic and sentenced to death or to a term of imprisonment
exceeding six months for any offence however styled involving
dishonesty;
(d) within a period of five years preceding the date of a general
election such person has been convicted and sentenced to
imprisonment for an offence involving dishonesty or for
contravening the law concerning ethics of public leaders;
(e) without prejudice to a person’s right and freedom to hold his own
views, to profess a religious faith of his choice, to associate with
others and to participate in community work in accordance with the
laws of the land, if he is not a member of, and a candidate proposed
by, a political party;
(f) such person has an interest in any Government contract of any kind
in respect of which special restrictions are prescribed by Act of
Parliament and he has contravened such restrictions;
(g) such person holds a senior office in the service of the Government
of the United Republic, not being an office of which the President
may or is required to appoint a Member of Parliament in
accordance with this Constitution or a law enacted by Parliament;
or
(h) in accordance with a law enacted by Parliament dealing with
offences concerning election of any kind such person has been
disqualified from registering as a voter or from voting in a
Parliamentary election.
Source: Constitution, art. 67 (2): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Comments: One of the qualifications for running in both presidential and legislative elections is that the candidates are members of and candidates proposed by a political party.
Source: Constitution, art. 39 (1-c), 67 (1-b): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714455356-1.%20sw-1675190712-sw1499671152-Katiba_ya_Tanzania.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: The Government shall disburse up to not more than 2% of the annual recurrent budget, less the amount payable in defraying the national debt, in the grant of subventions to political parties. In addition to this subvention, the government shall grant an annual subvention to every qualifying party in relation to its local government authority activities which shall be such an amount as the minister may determine, and which shall be computed based on the number of the members of the party who are members of a district or urban council.
Source: The Political Parties Act 1992 with the subsequent amendments, art. 13: https://www.orpp.go.tz/uploads/publications/sw1565156103-Sheria%20ya%20Vyama%20vya%20Siasa%20Sura%20ya%20258%20%5BR.E%202019%5D.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments: Subventions granted under this Act shall be disbursed to a qualifying political party once in every financial year and in such instalments as the Minister may, considering the prevailing economic and financial conditions, determine.
Source: The Political Parties Act 1992 with the subsequent amendments, art. 17 (1): https://www.orpp.go.tz/uploads/publications/sw1565156103-Sheria%20ya%20Vyama%20vya%20Siasa%20Sura%20ya%20258%20%5BR.E%202019%5D.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election e . Other
Comments: Fifty percent of the funds shall be disbursed amongst qualifying parties on basis of the ratio between the number of parliamentary constituencies in the United Republic. The other fifty per centum of the funds shall be disbursed amongst qualifying parties each of which won not less than five per centum of all the valid votes cast in all constituencies in the United Republic, and shall be disbursed amongst those parties on the basis of the ratio between the total number of valid votes cast for the parliamentary candidates of a party and the total number of all the valid votes cast in the parliamentary election for all the qualifying parties.
In addition, the Government shall grant an annual subvention to every qualifying party in relation to its local government authority activities which shall be such an amount as the Minister may determine, and which shall be computed on the basis of the number of the members of a party who are members of a district or urban council.
Source: The Political Parties Act 1992 with the subsequent amendments, art. 16 (2), 17 (2): https://www.orpp.go.tz/uploads/publications/sw1565156103-Sheria%20ya%20Vyama%20vya%20Siasa%20Sura%20ya%20258%20%5BR.E%202019%5D.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The funds and other resources of political parties which have been fully registered shall derive from:
- membership fees
- voluntary contributions
- the proceeds of any investment, project or undertaking in which the party has interest
- subventions from the government
- donations, bequests and grants from any other source
Source: The Political Parties Act 1992 with the subsequent amendments, art. 13 (1): https://www.orpp.go.tz/uploads/publications/sw1565156103-Sheria%20ya%20Vyama%20vya%20Siasa%20Sura%20ya%20258%20%5BR.E%202019%5D.pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The Returning Officer shall make arrangements for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents as soon as practicable after the close of the poll in the constituency and shall, so far as practicable proceed continuously with counting, allowing only reasonable time for refreshment until it is complete.
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 71: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions d . By request
Comments: Where an equality of votes is found to exist between the candidates in a contested election so that an addition of a vote would entitle any of them to be declared elected, the Ruining Officer shall make a recount of the votes cast.
A candidate or his counting agent may, if present when the counting or any recount of the votes is completed, require the Returning Officer to have the votes recounted or again recounted but the Returning Officer may refuse to make a third or subsequent recount if the results of the last two recounts were the same.
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 77, 78: https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
Media and Elections
ME009
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
a . Public radio b . Private radio c . Public television d . Private television e . Print media
Comments: Government agencies own shares in media corporations hence influence on editorial policies
Source: Seminar report: obstacles and challenges facing media in Tanzania
Verified: 2005/03/31
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
e . As agreed by special committee
Comments: The National Electoral Commission shall after consultations with the candidates, political parties concerned and the officers responsible for the public media, coordinate the use of the broadcasting rights.
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 53: http://www.unisa.ac.za/contents/faculties/law/docs/National_Elections_Act-.pdf(2013);
Verified: 2015/10/26
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Final Report of the EU Election Observation Mission to the 2010 General Elections in Tanzania, p. 26: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/tanzania/documents/page_content/tanzania_final_report_final_en.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2015/10/26
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: The National Elections Act 2010: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/National_Elections_Act-Cap_343.PDF (2013)
Verified: 2015/10/26
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 53:http://www.unisa.ac.za/contents/faculties/law/docs/National_Elections_Act-.pdf (2013);
Verified: 2015/10/26
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012: http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For purposes of validation of the provisions of the proposed Constitution, there shall be a referendum to be organized, conducted and supervised by the National Electoral Commission in collaboration with the Zanzibar Electoral Commission.
Source: The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012, art. 31 (1): http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/Tanzania_Constitution.pdf (2013);
The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012: http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/Tanzania_Constitution.pdf (2013);
The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012: http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/Tanzania_Constitution.pdf (2013);
The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012: http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/Tanzania_Constitution.pdf (2013);
The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012: http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: The majority of votes given in the referendum shall determine the decision of the votes on such question in the referendum and the referendum results declared by the National Electoral Commission shall be binding on the Government of the United Republic and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
Source: The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012, art. 36: http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
a . Constitutional changes only
Comments:
Source: The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012, art. 31: http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/Tanzania_Constitution.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/03/13
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/16
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Everyone who wishes to vote shall present himself at the polling station allocated to him in the polling district for which he is registered . The presiding officer may require any person to whom a tendered ballot paper is delivered...
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 13 (1), 61 (3), 63 (1): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: The National Elections Act 2010: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/National_Elections_Act-Cap_343.PDF (2013)
Verified: 2025/12/01
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/12/01
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: a voter on receiving a ballot paper shall go immediately into one of the screened compartments in the polling station, secretly record his vote in the manner provided in paragraph (e), fold up the ballot paper so as to conceal his vote and shall then show to a polling assistant the back of the paper so as to reveal the official mark and shall then put the folded ballot paper into the ballot box;
Source: The National Elections Act 2010, art. 61 (3-f): https://www.inec.go.tz/uploads/documents/sw-1714458261-1506507832-The%20National%20Election%20Act%20%20(CAP%20343)%20Revised%202015).pdf
Verified: 2025/12/01
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