As Tanzania heads towards the October 2025 General Election, thousands of citizens are expected to participate not only as voters but also as election officials. Among the most important officials at each polling station are Msimamizi wa Kituo cha Kupigia Kura, Msimamizi Msaidizi wa Kituo cha Kupigia Kura, and Karani Mwongoza Wapiga Kura. Each of these roles carries unique responsibilities that ensure transparency, order, and fairness in the electoral process.
Msimamizi wa Kituo cha Kupigia Kura
The Msimamizi wa Kituo cha Kupigia Kura (Presiding Officer) is the head of a polling station. This individual has the highest authority within the station and ensures that all electoral procedures are followed strictly according to the law and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Key responsibilities include overseeing the setup of the polling station, ensuring that voting materials are available and secure, managing polling staff, and handling any challenges or complaints raised during the voting process. After voting ends, the presiding officer supervises the counting of ballots, records the results, and ensures they are safely transmitted to higher electoral levels.
This position requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain impartial and calm even in tense situations. Interview questions for this role often focus on leadership, conflict resolution, knowledge of election laws, and integrity.