The National Electoral Commission (NEC), which is now known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is a constitutional body established under Article 74(1) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977. This Commission has the fundamental role of coordinating, supervising, and conducting all Presidential, Parliamentary, and Councilor elections in Mainland Tanzania.
The efficiency and integrity of the electoral process depend significantly on the large temporary workforce recruited for election day activities. These officials, who number in the hundreds of thousands, are the Commission's representatives at the polling station level, bearing the responsibility of translating electoral laws and regulations into concrete actions.
Considering the importance of their duties, the framework of payments and allowances for these officials becomes a fundamental issue that concerns not only their welfare but also the integrity of the entire electoral process. Adequate and timely compensation is crucial for motivating efficient performance, reducing the temptations for ethical breaches, and building public trust in the Commission and the democratic process.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the allowance rates paid to supervisors and other polling station officials during the 2020 General Election, examining sources of information, the transparency of the Commission, and the trend of these rates by comparing them with data from recent elections.