PVR INFORMATION UPDATE: ‘Stand up for democracy’

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday urged the public to turn out in large numbers to update their personal information in the Permanent Voters’ Register ahead of the October General Election. She urged all eligible Tanzanians to appear for personal information update in the PVR in the ongoing second round, which is scheduled for May …

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday urged the public to turn out in large numbers to update their personal information in the Permanent Voters’ Register ahead of the October General Election.

She urged all eligible Tanzanians to appear for personal information update in the PVR in the ongoing second round, which is scheduled for May and June, this year. “This is the second round, please tell those who haven’t come yet. The first round has already passed and this is the second one. If we miss this round this month and the next, there will be no opportunity to repeat it in the future,” said President Samia.

She added: “If you refuse to participate, others will go and vote for the person they want and you’ll miss the chance to persuade others to vote for the person you support. That means you’re just being indecisive and complaining.”

The Head of State was speaking shortly after updating her personal details in the PVR at her designated polling station in Sokoine Ward, Chamwino District, Dodoma Region.

She asked Tanzanians to be patriotic and fully exploit the voting opportunity to elect good leaders.

“Ask yourself in your heart: where does my patriotism lie? This is a major opportunity that only comes once every five years, it doesn’t happen every day. So, it’s important for every Tanzanian to show up and make use of this opportunity,” she said.

President Samia expressed her joy at the large turnout, describing it as a sign of growing democratic engagement among Tanzanians.

“This is a moment of pride for our nation,” she said, adding “it will be my first time to cast a vote in Mainland Tanzania. In previous elections, I voted in Zanzibar. This time, I am joining my fellow citizens here on the mainland.”

She commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their dedication and commitment to the job in the voter registration exercise, emphasising their critical role in ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.

“INEC has done a commendable work and I thank all the staff for their commitment to reaching every eligible Tanzanian,” she explained.

The Head of State urged all citizens to register and take part in the electoral process, calling it a vital national duty.

She said: “Registering to vote is a constitutional right, but it is also a patriotic responsibility, please don’t lose this opportunity, it is your voice, your power.”

President Samia asked voters to be tolerant whenever challenges happen during the registration processes to enable INEC to resolve them.

“This work comes with a few challenges. When they arise, be patient. If you’re told to wait because the machine has malfunctioned, then wait for it to be fixed so we can continue.

If cards run out, wait until they are replenished so the process can resume,” said the Head of State. President Samia assured the public that with all good plans that have been put in place, everyone who is eligible to be registered will be registered.

“I kindly ask you to call those who haven’t come out yet to update their information to do so. I wish all the best to the INEC staff in all registration centres, this job is tough and demanding, but may God give you strength to complete it successfully,” she said.

According to INEC a total of registered voters is expected to rise from 29,754,699 in the 2019/20 registration update to 34,746,638 voters ahead of October, 2025 general election.