OFFICIALS tasked with updating the Permanent National Voter Register in prisons across Mainland Tanzania and training colleges in Zanzibar have been urged to diligently apply their training from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the exercise's efficiency.

This call was made yesterday by INEC Commissioner, Ambassador Omar Ramadhan Mapuri, in Dodoma during the closing of a three-day training for Mainland Tanzania prison coordinators, assistant registrars, and biometric device operators.

The training sessions, held concurrently for training college officials in Unguja, Zanzibar, serve as preparation for registering and updating the details of remandees, prisoners, and students serving sentences of less than six months.

"It is crucial to remember that the training and instructions you've received are vital tools to enable you to execute your duties efficiently. Therefore, you must understand them well and follow them to perform this exercise effectively. Read the instruction manuals carefully to ensure your work is accurate," stated Mapuri.

He emphasised the importance for these officials to communicate with their coordinators for clarification on any issues related to their duties.

Concurrently, during the closing of similar training for training college officials in Unguja, Zanzibar, INEC Commissioner, High Court Judge Asina Omari, urged staff to meticulously care for the voter register update equipment.

"You are strongly advised to carefully maintain the registration equipment, as these devices were purchased at a very high cost. Lack of care in handling this equipment will lead to significant damage to these vital national assets," stated Judge Asina.

She reminded the officials about the importance of adhering to the correct opening and closing times for voter registration centers and added that officials should use polite language when serving those who come to the centers.

According to the schedule released by INEC, the voter register update exercise in prisons and training colleges will run for seven days, from June 28 to July 4, 2025. The exercise will include remandees and prisoners serving sentences of less than six months.