THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the creation of eight new constituencies in preparation for the upcoming general elections scheduled for later this year.

In addition, 12 constituencies have had their names changed.

The announcement was made today, May 12, in Dodoma by the Commission's Chairman, Judge Jacobs Mwambengele, during the release of details on the allocation of the new constituencies and the name changes.

In Dar es Salaam, two new constituencies have been established: Ukonga constituency has been split to create the new Kivule constituency, and Mbagala constituency has been divided to create the new Chamazi constituency.

In the Mbeya region, the Mbeya Urban constituency has been divided to form the new Uyole constituency.

In Dodoma, the Dodoma Urban constituency has been divided, resulting in the creation of the Mtumba constituency.

In Simiyu, the Bariadi constituency has been split, creating the new Bariadi Urban constituency.

In Geita, the Busanda constituency has been divided, forming the new Katoro constituency, while the Chato constituency has been split to create the new Chato South constituency.

Finally, in the Shinyanga region, one new constituency has been created: the Solwa constituency has been divided, giving birth to the new Itwangi constituency.