The Political Parties Act

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CHAPTER 258
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title. 2. Application. 3. Interpretation. part ii
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR
4. Establishment of Office of Registrar. 5. Appointment of assistant registrars and other officers. 6. Regulation of civic education and capacity building training. 7. Powers of Registrar to demand information from political parties. 8. Protection of officers. part iii
FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES
9. Formation of political party. 10. Qualification of people applying for registration of political party. 11. Restrictions in party membership and participation in political
parties activities. part iv
REGISTRAITON OF POLITICAL PARTIES
12. Duty of political parties to register. 13. Registration. 14. Political parties register. 15. Registration of national leaders. 16. Maintenance of registers. 17. Contents of constitution of political party. 18. Political parties not to form security group. 19.

national leaders. 16. Maintenance of registers. 17. Contents of constitution of political party. 18. Political parties not to form security group. 19.

Conditions for provisional registration. 20. Conditions for full registration.

Conditions for provisional registration. 20. Conditions for full registration.

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346
21. Qualifications for leaders of political party. 22. Verification of political parties. part v
PRIVILEGES OF REGISTERED POLITICAL PARTIES
23. Rights and privileges of, and meetings of, political parties. 24. Coalition of political parties. 25. Repealed. 26. Parties to hoist flags. 27. Prohibition of revival of former parties; and establishment of branches, etc.. 28. Repealed. 29. Parties to hold general meetings. 30. Declaration by political parties. part vi
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
31. Funds and other resources of party. 32. Protection of informer and witness. 33. Submission of accounts and declaration of property. 34. Party to maintain bank account. 35. Grant of, and party qualification for, subvention. 36. When, how and amount of subvention to be granted. 37. Application of and accounting for subvention. 38. Submission of financial reports. part vii
GENERAL PROVISIONS
39. Power of Registrar to suspend or cancel registration. 40. Decision of Registrar to be final. 41. Parties to appoint trustees. 42.

NERAL PROVISIONS
39. Power of Registrar to suspend or cancel registration. 40. Decision of Registrar to be final. 41. Parties to appoint trustees. 42.

Repealed. 43. Establishment of Political Parties Council. 44. Functions of Council. 45. Offences and penalties. 46. Suspension from conducting political activities. 47. Regulations. SCHEDULES

Parties Council. 44. Functions of Council. 45. Offences and penalties. 46. Suspension from conducting political activities. 47. Regulations. SCHEDULES

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PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Political Parties Act. 2. This Act shall apply to Tanzania Zanzibar as well as to
Mainland Tanzania. 3. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
“administrative meeting” means a meeting of an organ of a
political party as stipulated in a political party’s constitution;
“founding member of a political party” means a person who
participates in the formation of a political party and is
among the first members of the party;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for matters relating
to political parties;
“National Executive Committee” means a party organ or
any similar organ comprised of party national leaders
and party representatives from each region where the
Short title
Application
Interpretation
Acts Nos. 10 of 1994 Sch. 32 of 1994 Sch. 7 of 2009 s.2
1 of 2019 s.2
CHAPTER 258
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT
An Act to provide for terms, conditions and the procedure for the registration
of political parties and for related matters. [1st July, 1992]
[s.1]
Acts Nos.

to provide for terms, conditions and the procedure for the registration
of political parties and for related matters. [1st July, 1992]
[s.1]
Acts Nos.

5 of 1992
10 of 1994
32 of 1994
18 of 1995
11 of 1996
9 of 2002
7 of 2009
6 of 2010
1 of 2019

5 of 1992
10 of 1994
32 of 1994
18 of 1995
11 of 1996
9 of 2002
7 of 2009
6 of 2010
1 of 2019

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348
party has administrative organ or representative elected
in accordance with party constitution;
“national leader” means a national leader of a political party
as prescribed in the constitution of political party;
“party” means a political party;
“political party” means an organised group formed for the
purpose of forming a government or a local government
authority within the United Republic through elections
or for putting up or supporting candidates to elections;
“political party general meeting” means the highest decision
making organ of the party, made by delegates based on
the party structure prescribed in the party constitution;
“Registrar” means the Registrar of Political Parties appointed
under section 4 and includes Deputy Registrar and an
assistant registrar. PART II
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE
OF THE REGISTRAR
4.–(1) There shall be an office of the Registrar of Political
Parties which shall be an autonomous institution under the
Ministry responsible for political parties.

hall be an office of the Registrar of Political
Parties which shall be an autonomous institution under the
Ministry responsible for political parties.

(2) There shall be appointed by the President, a Registrar of
Political Parties who shall be the chief executive officer of the
Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. (3) There shall be a Deputy Registrar who shall be appointed
by the President. (4) The Registrar shall be responsible for the registration of
political parties in accordance with the provisions of this Act
and perform any other functions as conferred by this Act. (5) Without prejudice to subsection (4), the functions of the
office of the Registrar shall be to-
(a) supervise the administration and implementation of
this Act;
(b) monitor intra-party elections and nomination process;
Establishment of
Office of Registrar
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.3
1 of 2019 s.3

tion of
this Act;
(b) monitor intra-party elections and nomination process;
Establishment of
Office of Registrar
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.3
1 of 2019 s.3

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THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
(c) disburse and monitor accountability of Government
subvention to political parties which qualify under this
Act;
(d) provide guidelines and monitor income and expenditures
of political parties and accountability of party resources;
(e) provide civic education regarding multiparty democracy,
laws administered by the Registrar and related matters;
(f) regulate civic education provided to political parties;
(g) advise the Government on issues related to political
parties;
(h) facilitate communication between political parties and
the Government;
(i) undertake research on political parties, multiparty
democracy and political parties financing; and
(j) undertake any other functions conferred by this Act or
any other written law. (6) In the performance of functions under this Act, the
Registrar shall consult the Minister. 5. The Minister may appoint assistant registrars and other
officers in numbers as may be required, to carry out the purposes
of this Act.

he Minister. 5. The Minister may appoint assistant registrars and other
officers in numbers as may be required, to carry out the purposes
of this Act.

6.–(1) A person or institution within or outside the United
Republic wishing or requesting to conduct civic education or
any kind of capacity building training or initiative to a political
party, shall prior to conducting the training, inform the Registrar
by issuing a thirty days notice stating the objective and kind of
training, training programme, persons involved in the training,
teaching aid and expected results. (2) Upon receipt of information under subsection (1), the
Registrar may disapprove the training or capacity building
programme and give reasons for the disapproval. (3) A person who contravenes this section, commits an
offence and on conviction shall be liable, to a fine of not less
than five hundred thousand shillings but not exceeding five
Appointment
of assistant
registrars and
other officers
Regulation of
civic education
and capacity
building training
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.4

ceeding five
Appointment
of assistant
registrars and
other officers
Regulation of
civic education
and capacity
building training
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.4

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350
million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than
three months but not exceeding twelve months or to both. (4) An institution which contravenes this section, commits
an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not
less than five million shillings but not exceeding thirty million
shillings. (5) A person or institution which contravenes this section
shall, in addition to penalties under this section be ordered
by the Registrar to submit the information on the training
or training programme within a period as prescribed by the
Registrar. (6) A person or institution which fails to comply with an
order under subsection (5) commits an offence. [s. 5A]
7.–(1) The Registrar may, in the execution of functions and
responsibilities under this Act, demand from a political party or
a leader, any information as may be required for implementation
of this Act.

ons and
responsibilities under this Act, demand from a political party or
a leader, any information as may be required for implementation
of this Act.

(2) A political party which contravenes subsection (1) shall
be liable to a fine of not less than one million shillings but not
exceeding ten million shillings. (3) A leader of a political party who contravenes this section
or provides false information to the Registrar, commits an
offence. (4) A person or institution which contravenes this section
shall, in addition to penalties under this section be ordered
by the Registrar to submit the information within a period as
prescribed by the Registrar. [s. 5B]
8. A suit shall not lie against the Registrar, Deputy Registrar,
assistant registrar or other officers appointed under this Act for
anything done or omitted to be done in good faith and without
negligence in the performance of any function under this Act. [s. 6]
Powers of
Registrar
to demand
information from
political parties
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.4
Protection
of officers

e of any function under this Act. [s. 6]
Powers of
Registrar
to demand
information from
political parties
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.4
Protection
of officers

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THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
PART III
FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES1
9.–(1) A political party may, subject to the Constitution of the
United Republic and this Act, be formed to further objectives
and purposes which are not contrary to the Constitution of
the United Republic, the Constitution of Zanzibar or any other
written law in the United Republic. (2) A political party shall be managed by adhering to the
Constitution of the United Republic, the Constitution of
Zanzibar, this Act, its constitution, principles of democracy
and good-governance, non-discrimination, gender and social
inclusion. (3) A political party general meeting and national executive
committee or any similar organ shall not delegate their core
functions prescribed in the party constitution.

ty general meeting and national executive
committee or any similar organ shall not delegate their core
functions prescribed in the party constitution.

(4) For the purpose of subsection (3), core functions means-
(a) in the case of the party national general meeting,
enactment and amendment of party constitution,
election of party national chairman, deputy national
chairman and nomination of presidential candidate;
and
(b) in the case of the party national executive committee,
enactment and amendment of the party rules, election
of secretary general and party’s national leaders. (5) A political party shall promote the union of the
United Republic, the Zanzibar Revolution, democracy, good
governance, anti-corruption, national ethics and core values,
patriotism, secularism, uhuru torch, national peace and
tranquility, gender, youth and social inclusion in the-
(a) formulation and implementation of its policies;
(b) nomination of candidates for elections; and
(c) election of its leaders. [s. 6A]
1 Amended by Act No. 1 of 2019, s. 5. Formation of
political party
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.5

dates for elections; and
(c) election of its leaders. [s. 6A]
1 Amended by Act No. 1 of 2019, s. 5. Formation of
political party
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.5

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352
10. A person shall qualify to apply for registration of a political
party where the person-
(a) is a citizen of the United Republic by birth and both
parents of that person are citizens of the United Republic;
(b) is a person of sound mind;
(c) is undischarged bankrupt having been declared by the
court of competent jurisdiction;
(d) has attained or is above the age of eighteen years;
(e) can read and write in Kiswahili or English; and
(f) is a person who, within five years prior to the date of
submission of application has not been convicted or
sentenced for commission of an offence of dishonesty,
economic crime, corruption, tax evasion or offences
relating to gender based violence. [s. 6B]
11.–(1) A person shall qualify to be a member of a political
party where the person-
(a) is a citizen of the United Republic; and
(b) has attained or is above the age of eighteen years. (2) A person shall not be a member of more than one
political party.

the United Republic; and
(b) has attained or is above the age of eighteen years. (2) A person shall not be a member of more than one
political party.

(3) A person who possesses membership cards of more
than one political party shall be deemed to have resigned from
his previous party. (4) A non-citizen shall not participate in the decision
making process of a political party with the aim of promoting
the objectives of the party. (5) A member of a political party shall not be expelled
from the party unless due processes prescribed in the party
constitution has been complied with. (6) A person who contravenes subsection (4) commits an
offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less
than one million shillings but not exceeding three million
shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than six
months but not exceeding twelve months or to both. [s. 6C]
Qualification of
people applying
for registration of
political party
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.5
Restrictions
in party
membership and
participation in
political parties
activities
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.5

tion of
political party
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.5
Restrictions
in party
membership and
participation in
political parties
activities
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.5

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THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
PART IV
REGISTRATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES
12.–(1) Subject to subsection (2), a political party formed in
any part of the United Republic shall apply to the Registrar in
the prescribed manner to be registered as political party. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), Chama
Cha Mapinduzi, also known by the acronym CCM, which was,
immediately before this Act, a sole political party for the whole
of the United Republic shall, on the coming into effect of this
Act and without further requirement, be deemed to have been
fully registered as a political party and issued with a certificate
of registration in accordance with this Act. (3) An organisation shall not operate or function as a
political party unless it has first been registered in accordance
with the provisions of this Act. [s.

organisation shall not operate or function as a
political party unless it has first been registered in accordance
with the provisions of this Act. [s.

7]
13.–(1) A political party other than the political party
registrable pursuant to subsection (2) of section 12, shall apply
and be registered in two stages after fulfilling the conditions
prescribed for each stage. (2) A political party shall first be provisionally registered
and issued with a certificate of provisional registration upon
fulfilling the conditions prescribed in section 19. (3) A political party which was provisionally registered
and in addition to the conditions prescribed in section 19,
fulfilled the conditions prescribed in section 20 shall not later
than one hundred and eighty days from the date of provisional
registration apply to the Registrar for full registration. (4) The provisional registration of a party which has not
applied for full registration shall lapse and a provisional
registration certificate shall cease to be of any effect upon expiry
of one hundred and eighty days from the date of the provisional
registration. Duty of political
parties to register
Registration
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.6

of one hundred and eighty days from the date of the provisional
registration. Duty of political
parties to register
Registration
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.6

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354
(5) The provisional registration of the party which has
applied for full registration shall be valid until the party is issued
with a certificate of full registration or until its application for
full registration is rejected. (6) Where in an application for registration of a political
party, it is apparent that, the proposed name of a political
party, the abbreviation of its name or symbol-
(a) is obscene or offensive;
(b) is used by another political party; or
(c) has been used by a political party whose certificate
of registration has been cancelled or its certificate of
provisional registration has lapsed in accordance with
the provisions of this Act,
the Registrar shall, within fourteen days from the date of
receipt of the application, refuse the application and inform
the applicant accordingly.

t,
the Registrar shall, within fourteen days from the date of
receipt of the application, refuse the application and inform
the applicant accordingly.

(7) The Registrar shall register and issue a certificate of
provisional registration or, as the case may be, a certificate of
full registration to a political party which fulfills the conditions
for registration. [s. 8]
14.–(1) There shall be kept and maintained by the Registrar,
registers in which matters and particulars of political parties
shall be entered. (2) The registers under subsection (1) shall include-
(a) a register of political parties;
(b) a register of national leaders;
(c) a register of members of political parties national organs;
and
(d) a register of members of board of trustees of political
parties. [s. 8A]
Political parties
register
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.4
1 of 2019 s.7

ans;
and
(d) a register of members of board of trustees of political
parties. [s. 8A]
Political parties
register
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.4
1 of 2019 s.7

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THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
15.–(1) The national leaders of political parties registered
under the provisions of section 12 or 19 shall be required to fill
and submit a special form for national leaders to the Registrar
for registration in the register of political parties kept and
maintained by the Registrar. (2) A person who is not a national leader registered under
subsection (1), a leader registered under subsection (1) or a
member of a political party shall not engage in any political
activities in the name of a political party for which the person
purports to be a leader or a member. (3) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(2), commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a
fine of not less than five hundred thousand shillings but not
exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment for a term
of not less than three months but not exceeding twelve months
or to both. [s.

gs but not
exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment for a term
of not less than three months but not exceeding twelve months
or to both. [s.

8B]
16.–(1) A political party shall maintain updated registers for-
(a) members of the party;
(b) leaders of the party at each party administrative level; and
(c) members of party organ at each party administrative
level. (2) The Registrar may, by notice in writing, require a political
party to submit any of registers mentioned in subsection (1) or
any particulars relating to the register, within a period stated
in the notice. (3) A political party which fails to comply with the requirement
of this section may be suspended in accordance with provisions
of this Act. (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3), a leader of political
party which contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence
and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than one
million shillings but not exceeding three million shillings or to
imprisonment for a term of not less than three months but not
exceeding six months or to both. [s. 8C]
Registration of
national leaders
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.4
1 of 2019 s.8
Maintenance of
registers
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.9

g six months or to both. [s. 8C]
Registration of
national leaders
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.4
1 of 2019 s.8
Maintenance of
registers
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.9

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356
17.–(1) The constitution of a political party shall provide for
matters specified in the First Schedule. (2) The Registrar may, where he is satisfied that, the
constitution of a party is not in compliance with the requirement
of this Act, by notice in writing, require the party to amend
its constitution within six months from the date of notice to
ensure compliance. (3) The notice referred to in subsection (2) shall specify areas
of non-compliance, nature of the amendment and the reason
for amendment. [s. 8D]
18.–(1) A political party, a leader or a member shall not recruit,
deploy or form a militia, paramilitary or security group of
any kind or maintain an organisation intending to usurp the
functions of the police force or any government security organ. (2) A political party shall not conduct, finance, coordinate
or order to be conducted or coordinated, military style training
or any kind of training on the use of force or any kind of
weapon to its members or any other person.

onducted or coordinated, military style training
or any kind of training on the use of force or any kind of
weapon to its members or any other person.

(3) A political party which contravenes the requirement of
this section shall be deregistered, and a leader or member of the
party concerned shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment
for a term of not less than five years but not exceeding twenty
years or to both. [s. 8E]
19.–(1) A political party shall not qualify for provisional
registration unless-
(a) the founding members have applied for registration of
the party in the prescribed manner;
(b) the application has been accompanied with a copy of
the constitution of the proposed political party;
(c) its membership is voluntary and open to the citizens of
the United Republic without discrimination on account
of gender, disability, religious belief, race, tribe, ethnic
origin, profession or occupation;
Contents of
constitution of
political party
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.9
Political parties
not to form
security group
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.9
Conditions for
provisional
registration
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.5
1 of 2019 s.10

s.9
Political parties
not to form
security group
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.9
Conditions for
provisional
registration
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.5
1 of 2019 s.10

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THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
(d) the election of its leaders at the General Elections is
open to both gender. (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), a political party
shall not qualify for provisional registration where, by its
constitution, rules and policies or activities-
(a) it aims to advocate or further the interests of-
(i) any religious belief or group;
(ii) any tribal, ethnic or racial group; or
(iii) a specific area within any part of the United Republic;
(b) it advocates the breaking up of the union constituting
the United Republic;
(c) it accepts or advocates the use of force or violence as
means of attaining political objectives;
(d) it advocates or aims to carry on its political activities
exclusively in one part of the United Republic;
(e) it does not allow periodic and democratic election of its
leadership; or
(f) allows its party leaders and members to utter or use
obscene language, vindictive, defamatory or inciting
words which are likely to cause or lead to the disruption
of peace. [s. 9]
20.

rs to utter or use
obscene language, vindictive, defamatory or inciting
words which are likely to cause or lead to the disruption
of peace. [s. 9]
20.

A political party shall not be qualified to be fully registered
unless it has-
(a) first been provisionally registered;
(b) obtained not less than two hundred members who are
qualified to be registered as voters for the purpose of
parliamentary elections from at least half of regions of
the United Republic out of which at least two regions
are in Tanzania Zanzibar, one region being from Unguja
and the other region from Pemba;
(c) submitted to the Registrar for verification, names of its
members;
(d) submitted to the Registrar, a location of its head office
and subhead office on the basis that, where the head
Conditions for
full registration
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.6
1 of 2019 s.11

cation of its head office
and subhead office on the basis that, where the head
Conditions for
full registration
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.6
1 of 2019 s.11

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358
office is established in Mainland Tanzania, the subhead
office shall be established in Tanzania Zanzibar;
(e) has through its constitution restricted its members from
having dual membership;
(f) submitted the names of the national leadership of the
party and the leadership draws its members from both
Tanzania Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania; and
(g) submitted to the Registrar location of its head office
within the United Republic and a postal address to
which notices and other communications may be sent. [s. 10]
21.

gistrar location of its head office
within the United Republic and a postal address to
which notices and other communications may be sent. [s. 10]
21.

A person shall be qualified to contest for election or
nomination as a leader of a political party where the person is-
(a) a citizen of the United Republic who has attained or
is above the age of twenty-one years and can read and
write in Kiswahili or English;
(b) a member of the relevant political party;
(c) a person who, within five years prior to the date of
submission of the name for election or nomination, has
not been convicted of or sentenced for commission of
an offence of dishonesty, corruption or evading tax;
(d) a person of sound mind;
(e) undischarged bankrupt having been declared by a court
of competent jurisdiction; and
(f) disqualified from holding public office under the
Constitution of the United Republic or the Constitution
of Zanzibar of 1984 or any other written law. [s. 10A]
22.–(1) The political party registered under this Act shall
observe and maintain conditions for registration. (2) The Registrar may, upon the issuance of a twenty-one
days notice, verify a political party to ensure compliance with
the conditions for its registration. [s. 10B]
Qualifications
for leaders of
political party
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.7
1 of 2019 s.12
Cap.

ompliance with
the conditions for its registration. [s. 10B]
Qualifications
for leaders of
political party
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.7
1 of 2019 s.12
Cap.

2
Verification of
political parties
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.13

2
Verification of
political parties
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.13

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THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
PART V
PRIVILEGE OF REGISTERED POLITICAL PARTIES
23.–(1) A political party provisionally or fully registered shall
be entitled-
(a) to hold and address public meetings in any area in the
United Republic after giving notification to the police
officer in charge of the area concerned for purposes of
publicising itself and soliciting for membership;
(b) to the protection and assistance of the security agencies
for the purposes of facilitating peaceful and orderly
meetings:
Provided that, provisional registration shall not entitle
any political party to put-up a candidate or to campaign for any
candidate in any parliamentary election, house of representatives
election, presidential election or in a local authority election. (2) Notwithstanding any other written law to the contrary,
sections 43, 44, 45 and 46 of the Police Force and Auxiliary
Services Act shall apply and have effect as to meetings to be
held in any part of the United Republic by any political party
whether provisionally or fully registered.

l apply and have effect as to meetings to be
held in any part of the United Republic by any political party
whether provisionally or fully registered.

(3) A party which has been fully registered shall be entitled
to put-up candidates and campaign for any candidate in any
parliamentary election, house of representatives election,
a presidential election or in a local government authority
election. (4) Where a political party is desirous of holding a meeting
or procession in any open public place in any area it shall, not
less than forty eight hours before the meeting or procession,
submit a written notification of its impending meeting or
procession to the police officer in charge of the area in which
the meeting or procession is to take place is situated. (5) The written notification referred to in subsection (4)
shall specify-
(a) the name of the political party submitting the notification;
Rights and
privileges of,
and meetings of,
political parties
Acts Nos. 1 of 1993
32 of 1994 Sch. 1 of 2019 s.14
Cap. 322

submitting the notification;
Rights and
privileges of,
and meetings of,
political parties
Acts Nos. 1 of 1993
32 of 1994 Sch. 1 of 2019 s.14
Cap. 322

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
360
(b) the place and time at which the meeting or procession
is to take place;
(c) the agenda or purpose in general of the meeting; and
(d) other particulars as the Minister may, by notice
published in the Gazette, specify. (6) Where a political party submits a notification in
accordance with subsection (4), it may proceed to hold the
meeting or conduct the procession in question as scheduled
unless and until it receives an order from the police officer in
charge of the area directing that the meeting or procession
should not be held or conducted as notified.

receives an order from the police officer in
charge of the area directing that the meeting or procession
should not be held or conducted as notified.

(7) A police officer to whom a notification is submitted
pursuant to subsection (4) shall not give a stop order in relation
to the notification unless he is satisfied that-
(a) a previous notification has been submitted by another
political party or other persons for holding a meeting
or other function or procession in the same place at the
same time as is intended by the notifier;
(b) the meeting or procession is intended to execute or to
be used for an unlawful purpose;
(c) the meeting or procession is likely or intended to cause
a breach of the peace or to prejudice the public safety in
the area; or
(d) the political party or a group of persons giving the
notification is not a registered political party or body of
persons or the person submitting the notification is not
appropriately identified as an authorised representative
of the political party concerned. (8) A stop order given under subsection (6) shall be in
writing and in a form as is able to easily disclose the reasons
for its issuance and state whether or not the political party
concerned may hold the meeting or procession at the venue or
place at another time or date convenient to it in the same area. [s. 11]

political party
concerned may hold the meeting or procession at the venue or
place at another time or date convenient to it in the same area. [s. 11]

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.361
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
24.–(1) Two or more political parties fully registered in
accordance with the provisions of this Act may form a coalition
before or after general election and submit to the Registrar an
authentic copy of the coalition agreement entered into between
or among the parties. (2) The decision to form a coalition shall be made by a
national general meeting of each political party intending to
form coalition and in writing and duly executed by persons
authorised by political parties to execute the agreements on
behalf of each political party intending to form a coalition. (3) A coalition agreement entered into before a general
election shall be submitted to the Registrar at least three months
before the election. (4) A coalition agreement entered into after the general
election shall be submitted to the Registrar within fourteen
days after the signing of the coalition agreement. (5) A coalition agreement shall set out the matters as
specified in the Second Schedule.

n fourteen
days after the signing of the coalition agreement. (5) A coalition agreement shall set out the matters as
specified in the Second Schedule.

(6) Political parties to coalition under this section shall
maintain their status as individual registered political parties,
and continue to comply with the requirements governing
political parties under this Act and any other relevant laws. [s. 11A]
25. [Repealed by Act No.1 of 2019 s.15.]
[s. 11B]
26.–(1) A registered political party shall be entitled to own,
use and hoist a flag of its party in areas or places as may be
prescribed in the regulations to be made under the provisions
of this Act. (2) A flag of a registered political party shall be of a design
or type as prescribed in the respective political party`s,
constitution or rules. (3) Party flag shall not be hoisted in areas restricted by
section 27. Coalition of
political parties
Act No. 7 of 2009
1 of 2019 s.15
Repealed
Parties to hoist
flags
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.8
1 of 2019 s.16

by
section 27. Coalition of
political parties
Act No. 7 of 2009
1 of 2019 s.15
Repealed
Parties to hoist
flags
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.8
1 of 2019 s.16

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
362
(4) A member or a leader of a registered political party shall
not do any act, utter any word or publish any writing with intent
to insult or bring into contempt or ridicule a flag of another
political party. (5) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(4), commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a
fine of not less than one million shillings but not exceeding five
million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than
six months but not exceeding twelve months or to both. [s. 11C]
27.–(1) A political party formed or existing in any part of
the United Republic prior to the Union of Tanganyika and
Zanzibar or prior to 5th February, 1977, shall not be revived
nor shall a name or acronym of the political party be used by
any political party registerable under this Act.

th February, 1977, shall not be revived
nor shall a name or acronym of the political party be used by
any political party registerable under this Act.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), a political party or any person
shall not undertake a party activity, form, establish or allow
to be established or formed any office, branch, unit, youth or
women organisation or other organ of any political party in
any working place, school or other place of learning, places of
worship, Government buildings or public institutions. (3) For purposes of this section, places of residence for
employees provided by the employer shall not be regarded as
places of work. (4) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(2) commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a
fine of not less than one million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term of not exceeding twelve months or to both and the
court shall order the closure or disbanding of the branch, unit,
youth organisation or other organ of the political party relating
to the offence. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a political party may
hold administrative meeting at places referred to in subsection
(1) where the places offer facilities or services for hire or
reward. Prohibition of
revival of former
parties; and
establishment of
branches, etc. Act No. 1 of 2019 s.17

offer facilities or services for hire or
reward. Prohibition of
revival of former
parties; and
establishment of
branches, etc. Act No. 1 of 2019 s.17

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.363
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
(6) A person shall not use religion or religious organisation
to further the objectives of a political party. [s. 12]
28. [Repealed by Act No.1 of 2019, s.18.]
[s. 12A]
29.–(1) A fully registered political party shall be required to
convene a general meeting for the purpose of electing national
leaders within one year after being fully registered. (2) The Registrar of Political Parties may strike off the register,
a political party which fails to comply with the requirements of
subsection (1). [s. 12B]
30.–(1) A political party shall, within thirty days after being
issued with a certificate of full registration, submit to the Registrar
a written declaration giving details of assets and expenditure
including contributions, donations or pledges of contributions
or donations, whether in cash or in kind, made or to be made to
the initial assets of the political party by its founding members
in respect of the first year of its existence.

ash or in kind, made or to be made to
the initial assets of the political party by its founding members
in respect of the first year of its existence.

(2) A declaration submitted to the Registrar under subsection
(1) shall-
(a) state the sources of funds and other assets of the political
party; and
(b) contain other relevant particulars as the Registrar may
prescribe. (3) The Registrar shall, within thirty days after the receipt
of the declaration required under subsection (2), cause the
declaration to be published in the Gazette. (4) Notwithstanding any other penalty prescribed by this
Act, the Registrar shall deregister a political party which-
(a) fails to comply with this section; or
(b) submits a declaration which is false in any material
particular. [s. 12C]
Repealed
Parties to hold
general meetings
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.9
1 of 2019 s.19
Declaration by
political parties
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.20

lar. [s. 12C]
Repealed
Parties to hold
general meetings
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.9
1 of 2019 s.19
Declaration by
political parties
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.20

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
364
PART VI
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
31.–(1) The funds and other resources of political parties
which have been fully registered shall derive from-
(a) membership fees;
(b) voluntary contributions;
(c) the proceeds of any investment, project or undertaking
in which the party has an interest;
(d) subvention from the Government;
(e) donations, bequests and grants from any other source. (2) Subject to the provisions of Part III of the Election Expenses
Act, a political party shall disclose to the Registrar, information
relating to any funds or other resources obtained by the party
from-
(a) sources outside the United Republic, whether obtained
directly or through sources within the United Republic;
(b) foreign organisations stationed within the United
Republic;
(c) any person resident in the United Republic who is not
a citizen of the United Republic; or
(d) any source within the United Republic as may be
prescribed in the regulations made under this Act.

who is not
a citizen of the United Republic; or
(d) any source within the United Republic as may be
prescribed in the regulations made under this Act.

(3) An official of any political party or other person liable
to disclose information to the Registrar on behalf of any party
relating to the funds or other resources of the party who fails to
disclose the information or gives false information in relation
to the funds or resources obtained by a party, commits an
offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine equal to the
amount or the value of the resources not disclosed or in relation
to which false information was given or to imprisonment for a
term of not exceeding twelve months or to both. (4) A political party shall appoint an accounting officer in
accordance with its constitution to manage party resources. [s. 13]
Funds and other
resources of party
Acts Nos. 6 of 2010 s.33
1 of 2019 s.21
Cap. 278

ccordance with its constitution to manage party resources. [s. 13]
Funds and other
resources of party
Acts Nos. 6 of 2010 s.33
1 of 2019 s.21
Cap. 278

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.365
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
32.–(1) A person who is or becomes aware of the commission or
the intention to commit an offence of prohibited practice by
another person, whether that person is a voter, a candidate,
a leader of a political party or not, shall be required to give
information to the Registrar. (2) An information relating to commission of an offence
under this Act shall not be admitted in evidence in any civil
or criminal proceedings and a witness in any civil or criminal
proceedings shall not be obliged to-
(a) disclose the name or address of any informer who has
given information to the Registrar with respect to an
offence under this Act or the name or address of any
person who has assisted the Prevention and Combating
of Corruption Bureau in any way in relation to the
offence; or
(b) answer any question where the answer to the question
would lead or tend to lead to discovery of the name or
address of the informer or person.

or
(b) answer any question where the answer to the question
would lead or tend to lead to discovery of the name or
address of the informer or person.

(3) Where a book, document or paper which is the subject
of evidence or liable to inspection in any civil or criminal
proceedings contains an entry in which the informer or person
is named or described, or which might lead to the discovery
of the informer or person by the public, the court shall cause
the passages to be concealed from view by the public or be
obligated so far as may be necessary to protect the informer or
other person from discovery by the public. (4) An informer who suffers reprisal, retaliation or
victimisation, injury or any harm from a person accused of
corruption, perpetrators of offences of corruption, prohibited
practices and their accessories shall be afforded reasonable
protection, compensation or assistance by the Government
upon ascertainment by the Registrar of the magnitude of
victimisation, injury or harm. [s. 13A]
Protection of
informer and
witness
Act No. 6 of 2010 s.33

n ascertainment by the Registrar of the magnitude of
victimisation, injury or harm. [s. 13A]
Protection of
informer and
witness
Act No. 6 of 2010 s.33

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
366
33.–(1) A political party which has been fully registered shall-
(a) maintain proper accounts of the funds and property of
political party;
(b) submit to the Registrar-
(i) an annual statement of the account of the political
party audited by the auditor registered as an auditor
under the Accountants and Auditors (Registration)
Act and the auditor`s report on those accounts;
and
(ii) an annual declaration of the property owned by
the party. (2) The Registrar, after inspecting any accounts or report
submitted pursuant to this section may, for the benefit of the
members or the public, publish any matter relating to the
funds, resources or property of any party or the use of the
funds, resources or property. (3) The Registrar shall publish in the official Gazette, an
annual report on the audited accounts of a political party. [s.

ds, resources or property. (3) The Registrar shall publish in the official Gazette, an
annual report on the audited accounts of a political party. [s.

14]
34.–(1) A political party which has been fully registered shall,
through its trustees, maintain a bank account of the party in
which the money received by the party in accordance with
section 31, shall be deposited. (2) A subvention from the Government which is payable to
political parties under this Act shall not be paid to a political
party which does not maintain a bank account in accordance
with this section. (3) Without prejudice to subsection (1), a political party
receiving Government subvention shall maintain a separate
bank account to be used only for depositing and expenditure
of Government subvention. [s. 15]
Submission of
accounts and
declaration of
property
Party to
maintain
bank
account
Acts Nos. 18 of 1995 Sch. 1 of 2019 s.22

ernment subvention. [s. 15]
Submission of
accounts and
declaration of
property
Party to
maintain
bank
account
Acts Nos. 18 of 1995 Sch. 1 of 2019 s.22

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.367
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
35.–(1) The Government shall, subject to section 36, disburse
up to not more than two per centum of the annual recurrent
budget less the amount payable in defraying the national debt
in the grant of subventions to political parties in pursuance of
the provisions of this Act. (2) The Government shall, in addition to the subvention
referred to in subsection (1), grant an annual subvention to
a qualifying political party in relation to its local government
authority activities, which shall be an amount as the Minister
may determine, and computed on the basis of the number
of the members of the political party who are members of a
district or urban council. (3) A party shall not qualify for the grant of a subvention in
accordance with this Act unless-
(a) it is a party which is fully registered under this Act;
(b) it has, in the immediately preceding general or local
government election, had any of its candidates elected
to be a Member of Parliament or member of a local
government authority. [s.

ng general or local
government election, had any of its candidates elected
to be a Member of Parliament or member of a local
government authority. [s.

16]
36.–(1) Subventions granted under this Act shall be disbursed
to a qualifying political party once in every financial year and
in instalments as the Minister may determine considering the
prevailing economic and financial conditions. (2) The fund disbursable pursuant to section 35(1) as
subvention to qualifying political parties shall be distributed
as follows:
(a) fifty per centum of the funds shall be disbursed amongst
qualifying parties on basis of the ratio between the
number of parliamentary constituencies in the United
Republic;
(b) the other fifty per centum of the funds shall be
disbursed amongst qualifying parties each of which
won not less than five per centum of the valid votes
cast in constituencies in the United Republic, and
Grant of,
and party
qualification for,
subvention
Acts Nos. 18 of 1995 Sch. 11 of 1996 s.2
When, how
and amount of
subvention to be
granted
Acts Nos. 18 of 1995 Sch. 11 of 1996 s.2
9 of 2002 Sch.

tion
Acts Nos. 18 of 1995 Sch. 11 of 1996 s.2
When, how
and amount of
subvention to be
granted
Acts Nos. 18 of 1995 Sch. 11 of 1996 s.2
9 of 2002 Sch.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
368
disbursed amongst those parties on the basis of the
ratio between the total number of valid votes cast for
the parliamentary candidates of a party and the total
number of the valid votes cast in the parliamentary
election for the qualifying parties. (3) For purposes of subsection (2), a parliamentary candidate
declared by the National Electoral Commission as having been
elected unopposed in the constituency shall be deemed to have
been elected by fifty one percent of the total number of the
registered voters in the respective constituency. [s. 17]
37.–(1) Subventions granted to a political party may be spent
only on-
(a) the parliamentary activities of a political party;
(b) the civil activities of a political party;
(c) any lawful activity relating to an election in which a
political party nominates a candidate; or
(d) any other necessary or reasonable requirement of a
political party.

y relating to an election in which a
political party nominates a candidate; or
(d) any other necessary or reasonable requirement of a
political party.

(2) Subventions granted to a political party shall be accounted
for to the Registrar separately from the accounting for other
funds of the political party. (3) A party which fails or neglects to account for subventions
in accordance with this Act, shall forfeit the right to any subsequent
subvention due to the party in accordance with this Act. (4) Where the Registrar is for any reasonable cause, dissatisfied
with any account of subventions submitted by any party, the
subvention which has not been accounted for or has not
been accounted for satisfactorily, shall be deducted from any
subsequent subvention due to the party. (5) Where by reason of failure to submit an account or any
other reason, the Registrar has reason to suspect that, any
offence under the Penal Code may have been committed in
relation to the money which has not been accounted for, he
may make a report to a police station, and the officer in charge
of that police station shall cause the matter to be investigated. Application of
and accounting
for subvention
Acts Nos. 18 of 1995 s.2,
7 of 2009 s.11
1 of 2019 s.23
Cap. 16

hall cause the matter to be investigated. Application of
and accounting
for subvention
Acts Nos. 18 of 1995 s.2,
7 of 2009 s.11
1 of 2019 s.23
Cap. 16

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.369
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
(6) The Registrar may suspend grant of subvention to a
political party for specified period, where he has evidence that,
management of the political party which includes its trustees
is not able to account for or supervise accountability of the
funds. (7) A political party which receives a disclaimer audit report
shall be denied subsequent subvention for six months. (8) The Registrar may, at any time, where he is dissatisfied
with management of the resources of a political party, request
the Controller and Auditor-General to carry out a special audit. [s. 18]
38.–(1) A financial year of a fully registered political party
shall conform to that of the Government. (2) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Act, a political
party shall submit-
(a) to the Controller and Auditor-General financial statements
of its accounts not later than thirtieth September of
each calendar year; and
(b) audited reports to the Registrar within one month
after it has received the report from the Controller and
Auditor-General.

ach calendar year; and
(b) audited reports to the Registrar within one month
after it has received the report from the Controller and
Auditor-General.

[s. 18A]
PART VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
39.–(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Registrar may suspend
or cancel the registration of any political party which has
contravened any of the provisions of this Act or which has
otherwise ceased to qualify for registration under this Act. (2) The Registrar shall not suspend or cancel the registration
of any party unless-
(a) he has, in writing, informed the party concerned of
the contravention or the loss of qualification and the
intention to cancel the registration;
Submission of
financial reports
Act No. 7 of 2009 s.11
1 of 2019 s.24
Power of
Registrar
to suspend or
cancel
registration
Acts Nos
7 of 2009 s.12
1 of 2019 s.25

of
financial reports
Act No. 7 of 2009 s.11
1 of 2019 s.24
Power of
Registrar
to suspend or
cancel
registration
Acts Nos
7 of 2009 s.12
1 of 2019 s.25

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
370
(b) he has received or failed to receive, within the period
prescribed by him, any representations from the party
concerned;
(c) he has submitted to the Minister the intention to
suspend or cancel the registration of the party together
with any representations made by the party. (3) Notwithstanding powers of the Registrar to cancel
registration of a political party, the Registrar shall not cancel
registration of a political party where the period during which
the General Elections would be held does not exceed twelve
months. [s. 19]
40.–(1) The decision of the Registrar on the registration or the
cancellation of the registration of any political party shall be
final and not be the subject of appeal in any court. (2) Subsection (1) shall not be construed as precluding
judicial review of the decision of the Registrar. [s. 20]
41.–(1) A political party which has obtained a certificate of
full registration shall appoint a board of trustees to manage the
properties and any business or investment of the party.

as obtained a certificate of
full registration shall appoint a board of trustees to manage the
properties and any business or investment of the party.

(2) A board of trustees shall be duly incorporated under the
Trustees Incorporation Act and a political party shall, not later
than sixty days from the date of full registration, submit to the
Registrar-
(a) the names and addresses of the members of the board
of trustees; and
(b) a copy of the certificate of incorporation. (3) A person shall not qualify to be a member of a Board of
Trustees of a political party where the person is a party leader. [s. 21]
42. [Repealed by Act No.1 of 2019, s. 27.]
[s. 21A]
Decision of
Registrar to be
final
Parties to appoint
trustees
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.26
Cap. 318
Repealed

[Repealed by Act No.1 of 2019, s. 27.]
[s. 21A]
Decision of
Registrar to be
final
Parties to appoint
trustees
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.26
Cap. 318
Repealed

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.371
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
43.–(1) There is established within the Office of the Registrar of
Political Parties the Council of Political Parties. (2) Members of the Council shall not be more than two
national leaders of each fully registered political party. (3) The Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the Council
shall be elected by members of the Council from amongst
themselves. (4) The office of the Registrar of Parties shall be Secretariat
to the Council. (5) The Council shall be financed from the Government
budget or donor funds through the Government. [s.

f Parties shall be Secretariat
to the Council. (5) The Council shall be financed from the Government
budget or donor funds through the Government. [s.

21B]
44.–(1) Functions of the Council shall include to-
(a) advise the Registrar on the disputes arising amongst
political parties;
(b) advise the Registrar on matters of national interest with
reference to political parties or political situation;
(c) advise the Government through the Registrar on the
enactment, amendment and implementation of this
Act and other laws relating to political parties;
(d) advise on the regulations prescribing matters regarding
political parties;
(e) inform the Registrar on any matter regarding the
operations of any political party. (2) Procedure, term of office of members and other matters
relating to the Council shall be as prescribed in the regulations. [s. 21C]
45.–(1) A person who contravenes any provision of this Act to
which a specific penalty is not provided on conviction shall be
liable to a fine of not less than three million shillings but not
exceeding ten million shillings or to imprisonment for a term
of not less than six months but not exceeding one year or to
both. Establishment of
Political Parties
Council
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.13
1 of 2019 s.28
Functions of
Council
Act No. 7 of 2009 s.13
Offences and
penalties
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.29

ical Parties
Council
Acts Nos. 7 of 2009 s.13
1 of 2019 s.28
Functions of
Council
Act No. 7 of 2009 s.13
Offences and
penalties
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.29

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
372
(2) A political party which contravenes any provision of this
Act to which a specific penalty is not provided, on conviction
shall be liable to a fine of not less than ten million shillings
and not exceeding fifty million shillings or to suspension or to
deregistration. [s. 21D]
46.–(1) Without prejudice to the generality of the power
conferred by this Act, the Registrar may suspend any member
of a political party who has contravened any provision of this
Act from conducting political activities. (2) A party member who conducts party or political activities
or participates in an election or causes any person to conduct
party political activity or participate in an election during
period of suspension of the party, commits an offence. (3) Where the Registrar is satisfied that, a member of a political
party has contravened this Act, the Registrar shall, in writing
require the political party to take measures against the member
as prescribed in the party constitution within fourteen days.

istrar shall, in writing
require the political party to take measures against the member
as prescribed in the party constitution within fourteen days.

(4) Where the political party fails to comply with the
requirements of the Registrar under subsection (3), or the
measures taken by a political party are not satisfactory, the
Registrar may, in writing notify the member and the political
party of his intention to suspend the member from conducting
political activities. (5) Upon receipt of notification from the Registrar under
subsection (4), the member shall, within fourteen days, make
representation to the Registrar on the matter. (6) Where the member fails to make representation to the
Registrar within the period specified under subsection (3), or
the representation made is not satisfactory, the Registrar shall
suspend the member from conducting political activities for
a period not exceeding six months, and notify the relevant
political party accordingly. [s. 21E]
Suspension
from conducting
political activities
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.29

eding six months, and notify the relevant
political party accordingly. [s. 21E]
Suspension
from conducting
political activities
Act No. 1 of 2019 s.29

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.373
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
47.–(1) The Minister may make regulations for the purpose of
carrying out or giving effect to any provision of this Act.

TIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E. 2023]
47.–(1) The Minister may make regulations for the purpose of
carrying out or giving effect to any provision of this Act.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of
the power conferred by subsection (1), the Minister may make
regulations-
(a) prescribing the manner of registration of political
parties under this Act;
(b) regulating or restricting the use or the changes of names
of political parties;
(c) prescribing the forms which may be used for carrying
out the provisions of this Act;
(d) prescribing the manner of preparation of financial
accounts and manner of securing the submission to
the Registrar of accounts relating to the assets and
liabilities, income and expenditure of political parties;
(e) prescribing the fees in respect of anything to be done
under this Act;
(f) securing the submission to the Registrar of annual or
other periodical returns relating to the constitution,
objects and membership of political parties;
(g) prescribing the manner in which subventions granted
to a political party may be disbursed and accounted for;
(h) prescribing and regulating the use of flags by political
parties;
(i) upon consultation with political parties, prescribing
the ethical conduct of the political parties; or
(j) prescribing anything which is required, necessary or
desirable to be prescribed for the better giving effect to
this Act.

he political parties; or
(j) prescribing anything which is required, necessary or
desirable to be prescribed for the better giving effect to
this Act.

[s. 22]
Regulations
Acts Nos. 11 of 1996 s.3
7 of 2009 s.14
1 of 2019 s.30

[s. 22]
Regulations
Acts Nos. 11 of 1996 s.3
7 of 2009 s.14
1 of 2019 s.30

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E.

anzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E.

2023]
374
FIRST SCHEDULE2
(Made under section 17(1)
BASIC MATTERS FOR WHICH PROVISIONS OF
CONSTITUTION OF THE PARTIES SHALL CONTAIN
(a) name of political party, abbreviation (if any), symbol (logo)
and description of the party flag;
(b) objective and ideology of the political party;
(c) qualification and disqualification for membership of the party;
(d) admission and cessation of members;
(e) rights and duties of members;
(f) disciplinary measures against members and leaders;
(g) intra-party disputes resolution mechanism;
(h) organisation and structure of the party;
(i) mandate to make and amend party constitution;
(j) mandate to make and amend party rules;
(k) powers and functions of each party organ and leader
(l) delegations of powers of each party organ and leader;
(m) procedure for election of party leaders;
(n) mandate and procedure of filling vacant posts;
(o) frequency and quorum for meetings;
(p) structure for management of the party properties;
(q) number, nomination procedure and cessation of members of
board of trustees; and
(r) dissolution of the party and the disposal of its property.

es;
(q) number, nomination procedure and cessation of members of
board of trustees; and
(r) dissolution of the party and the disposal of its property.

SECOND SCHEDULE3
(Made under section 24(5))
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COALITION AGREEMENT
A. Coalition agreement shall-
(a) adhere to the rules and procedures of the political parties
relating to the formation of coalition;
(b) be sanctioned by the general meeting of the political parties
entering into the coalition and shall –
(i) be in writing and duly executed by authorised national
party leaders; and
(ii) be commissioned by a commissioner of oaths and
submitted to the Registrar. 2 First Schedule was introduced by Act No. 1 of 2019 s. 9
3 Second Schedule was introduced by Act No. 1 of 2019 s. 15

and
submitted to the Registrar. 2 First Schedule was introduced by Act No. 1 of 2019 s. 9
3 Second Schedule was introduced by Act No. 1 of 2019 s. 15

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.375
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E.

nia. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.375
THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT [CAP. 258 R.E.

2023]
(c) state-
(i) parties which are members of the coalition;
(ii) policies and objectives of the coalition;
(iii) overall structure of the coalition;
(iv) organisation structure and management of the coalition;
(v) criteria or formula for sharing of positions in the
coalition structure, roles and responsibilities within the
coalition;
(vi) coalition nomination rules;
(vii) coalition election rules;
(viii) decision making structure, rules and procedures;
(ix) process and mechanisms upon which the coalition
agreement may be amended;
(x) policy initiation, policy consultation and policy decision
making structure, rules and procedures;
(xi) code of conduct of coalition including values and
principles guiding the performance of individuals and
the member parties within the coalition;
(xii) dispute resolution mechanisms and procedures;
(xiii) procedures for appeal;
(xiv) enforcement and sanction mechanisms and procedures
for breach of any of the provisions of the agreement;
(xv) role of general meeting and political party organs of
the individual member parties of the coalition in the
running of the affairs of the coalition;
(xvi) formula and mechanism of sharing subvention from the
government and other sources; and
(xvii) grounds and procedure upon which the coalition may
be dissolved.

and mechanism of sharing subvention from the
government and other sources; and
(xvii) grounds and procedure upon which the coalition may
be dissolved.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.