We commended the competence of polling officials, many of whom were young men and women. They collaborated with party agents in a collegial atmosphere, assisted elderly and disabled voters...
the election which was full of promises and intense rivalry?
On election day, our observers reported that most voting stations opened on time with a few exceptions. For instance, our observers witnessed one polling station in the Kinondoni district of Dar Es Salam which delayed its opening until noon due to the absence of the voter register. Polling officials informed us around midday that the returning officer had instructed that the supplementary voter register should be used. Other incidents where polling stations did not open at all due to insufficient materials, among other administrative and logistical issues, were also brought to our attention later in the day. Polling officials largely followed opening procedures and voters exercised their franchise in a smooth process. It was noted that ballot box lids and ballot papers were in corresponding colours for each election, which provided clarity of voting for voters.
How would this group rate the election officers and the voting process?
We commended the competence of polling officials, many of whom were young men and women. They collaborated with party agents in a collegial atmosphere, assisted elderly and disabled voters, and maintained calm and order in the polling stations. Where there were anomalies in the application of certain procedures, they were not of such gravity to negatively impact the integrity of the process. We further note that on election day, the voter register appeared robust with few incidents where voters did not find their names on the register, possibly allaying some anxieties about the BVR process.
In some cases, however, some voters were allowed to vote after completing the necessary forms. On election day, Commonwealth observers found that the 200 metres issue did not pose any problem. We noted discreet, yet effective police presence.
Our overall assessment of the voting process, based on our observations was that it was conducted in a peaceful, calm and orderly manner, according to the procedures outlined in the laws of the United
Republic of Tanzania. The electoral environment on election day was conducive