The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled a parliamentary by-election for November 4, 2026, in Chamwino Constituency, Dodoma Region, alongside councilor by-elections in 11 wards across Mainland Tanzania. The move follows the vacancy in the Chamwino parliamentary seat, which became unfilled after President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed former MP Deogratius Ndejembi as Vice-President on August 26, 2026, a decision confirmed by Parliament on August 28, 2026. INEC Director of Elections, Mr Ramadhani Kailima, stated the commission received notifications about the parliamentary vacancy and 11 councilor positions left vacant due to deaths and resignations.
The by-election process will begin with the distribution of nomination forms for parliamentary and councilor candidates from October 7 to 13, 2026. The nomination exercise is set for October 13, followed by campaign periods from October 14 to November 3. The elections will take place on November 4, 2026, across 11 wards, including Nonde in Mbeya City Council, Bargish in Mbulu Town Council, and others in Njombe, Muheza, Pangani, and Ngorongoro districts, among others. INEC emphasized that political parties and candidates must adhere to constitutional and legal frameworks throughout the process.
The vacancies in the 11 councilor positions were attributed to the deaths of eight councilors and the resignation of three others, as reported by the Minister of State in the President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG). Mr Kailima reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency, stating stakeholders must follow electoral ethics, procedures, and directives. The by-elections aim to restore representation in Chamwino and the affected wards, with INEC overseeing all stages to maintain electoral integrity.
INEC’s announcement underscores the procedural rigor required to address electoral gaps in Tanzania’s political landscape. The November 4 deadline aligns with the commission’s mandate to expedite by-elections while upholding democratic processes. As the nation prepares for the polls, the focus remains on ensuring fair competition and public confidence in the electoral system, with all parties urged to comply with legal and ethical standards throughout the campaign and voting phases.