THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has outlined six key conditions that civil society organizations (CSOs) must meet to qualify for providing voter education ahead of the 2025 General Election.

The move aims to ensure the process is professional, transparent and adheres strictly to the law. Director of Elections, Ramadhan Kailima, stated in Dar es Salaam yesterday that all institutions wishing to take on this critical national role must fulfill specific requirements before being officially approved by the commission.

First, a CSO must be formally registered under the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. “Applicants must submit full registration documents as part of their application to INEC,” he said.

Second, the organization must have operated legally in the country for at least six months following registration—demonstrating continuity and legitimacy. Third, if the organization has three senior leaders and any are foreign nationals, at least two must be Tanzanian citizens. This ensures national representation in electoral activities.

Fourth, any organization previously linked to incitement or public disorder will be barred from participation. “We cannot allow groups with a history of disrupting peace to be involved in such a sensitive exercise,” he said.

Fifth, the CSO must have prior experience in delivering voter or civic education, with a proven track record in similar past projects. Sixth and finally, the organization must have the financial capacity to independently fund its voter education activities without relying directly on INEC for support.

In addition to these criteria, Kailima noted that applications must include a copy of the registration certificate, the organization’s constitution, names of its top three leaders, and complete office addresses and contact numbers. 

“All applications must be submitted by May 20, 2025. After that date, no further submissions will be accepted,” he stressed. INEC says the initiative is meant to ensure that voter education is delivered effectively and ethically, equipping citizens with a deeper understanding of their democratic rights and responsibilities.

The 2025 General Election is expected to draw significant voter interest and the commission has underscored that proper civic education is the foundation of a free and fair election.