THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has trained police officers commanding districts (OCDs) from across the country on voter education.

The one-day training on various laws and regulations guiding the commission was held at the Moshi Police School in Kilimanjaro Region at the weekend.

Kailima Ramadhani, Director of Elections at INEC, said that education for district-level police officers helps to eliminate conflicts between them and political parties.

“The officers are essentially the law enforcers at the district level. So, we have guided them through the laws governing INEC, presidential, parliamentary and civic election laws, enabling them to interpret the laws accurately and ensuring they perform their duties effectively without creating conflicts with political parties or the public in general,” he said.

He noted that police officers understand their responsibilities and the roles that political parties should play during this period when the commission conducts voter register update countrywide.

INEC official also stated that as the country approaches the General Election next year, the commission will meet again with the police to clarify various election-related matters to enable peaceful, free and fair election and post-election stability.

Commissioner of Police (Operations and Training) Awadhi Juma Haji said that the purpose of the training was to prepare Police Force for election process as its officers are the enforcers of the law and protectors of citizens and their properties.

He said that the commission provided training on the role of police in election activities, various laws and regulations during the period of voter register update with the goal of organizing and ensuring that ongoing exercises in the country are conducted in secure environment.

The four-day training tool place from Monday to Friday last week, covering various topics related to elections and the role of Police Force in the important democratic activity.

Tanzania has two elections ahead: local government elections later this month and General Election next year.