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Legislators

Tanzania Sets October 29 as General Election Day Amid Increased Voter Registration

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as General Election Day in Tanzania. Eligible voters will elect the President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors on this day. The election calendar was unveiled during a meeting with stakeholders on July 26, 2025, at INEC headquarters in Dodoma. The meeting, presided over by INEC Chairperson Judge Jacobs Mwambegele, formally launched the 2025 General Election calendar. The commission has outlined key dates, including the availability of nomination forms for Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates from August 9 to August 27, and the nomination day for all candidates on August 27. Campaigns for the Union elections will run from August 28 to October 28, while in Zanzibar, campaigns will take place from August 28 to October 27.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 General Election in Tanzania is scheduled to take place on October 29, 2025, with eligible voters electing the President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors.
  • Nomination forms for Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates will be available from August 9 to August 27, while nomination forms for Parliamentary and Councillor candidates will be issued from August 14 to August 27.
  • The nomination day for all candidates, including those contesting the Presidency, Parliament, and Local Councils, is set for August 27.
  • Campaigns for the Union elections on Mainland Tanzania will run from August 28 to October 28, while in Zanzibar, campaigns will take place from August 28 to October 27.
  • 37.65 million Tanzanians have registered to vote in the October election, with 36.65 million from Mainland Tanzania and 1,004,627 from Zanzibar, marking a 26.55 percent increase from the 29.75 million registered in the 2020 General Election.
  • The Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has registered 725,876 voters, while INEC registered an additional 278,751 voters who did not meet ZEC's eligibility criteria.
  • 99,911 polling stations will be established across the country, 97,349 on the mainland and 2,562 in Zanzibar, representing a 22.49 percent increase from the 81,567 polling stations used in the 2020 General Election.
  • The 2025 General Election marks a significant milestone in Tanzania's democratic journey, with millions expected to take part in a tightly regulated and closely monitored process.

Statistics:

  • 37,650,000 Tanzanians have registered to vote in the October election.
  • 36,650,000 registered voters are from Mainland Tanzania.
  • 1,004,627 registered voters are from Zanzibar.
  • 18,940,000 registered voters are women (50.31 percent).
  • 18,710,000 registered voters are men (49.69 percent).
  • 49,174 registered persons with disabilities.
  • 725,876 voters are registered by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC).
  • 278,751 voters are registered by INEC but did not meet ZEC's eligibility criteria.
  • 99,911 polling stations will be established across the country.
  • 97,349 polling stations will be established on the mainland.
  • 2,562 polling stations will be established in Zanzibar.
  • 81,567 polling stations were used in the 2020 General Election.
  • 22.49 percent increase in polling stations from the 2020 General Election.

Sources:

  • The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
  • The Citizen

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