Attorney General orders fast-track Kiswahili translation of election laws

Dar es Salaam. Attorney General Hamza Johari has directed the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman (OCPD) to expedite the translation of all election-related laws into Kiswahili, stressing the need for the regulations to be clear and accessible to the public ahead of this year’s General Election.

Mr Johari issued the directive on Saturday, July 12, 2025, during a visit to the OCPD pavilion at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).

He also engaged with staff to learn about public concerns raised during the exhibition.

“I believe we must intensify our efforts to translate laws, particularly those governing elections, as this enhances access to justice,” he said.

“Making these laws available in Kiswahili will ensure the public is fully informed about their rights and responsibilities,” he added.

He commended the OCPD for its efforts in public awareness through the Sabasaba exhibitions and praised the office for fulfilling its legal mandate with diligence.

Earlier, legal drafter, Ms Mariam Possi, briefed the AG on the main issues raised by visitors to the pavilion, including questions about the legislative process—from drafting to presidential assent—the law revision process and its significance, and the progress of translating laws into Kiswahili.

“Throughout our participation in this exhibition, we’ve engaged with many stakeholders from the legal sector and the wider public from across the country. People are eager to understand the role of the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman’s Office and how they can access revised laws published in the 2023 edition, as well as those currently undergoing translation from English to Kiswahili,” she said.

Ms Possi noted that the OCPD is working to guide the public through these processes in a clear and legally compliant manner.

She reaffirmed that the government—through the AG’s Office and the OCPD—is exploring various strategies to ensure that laws are readily accessible to citizens in all regions.

“Our goal is to make laws available in a language the people understand, so they can read, comprehend, and use them to claim their rights and fulfil their civic duties,” she said.

The push to accelerate translation comes as Tanzania prepares for its General Election later this year.

Stakeholders have repeatedly underscored the importance of making election laws accessible to ensure transparency, public participation, and legal compliance.

This year’s trade fair has served as a key platform for public legal education.

The OCPD’s participation has enabled many citizens to interact with legal experts, obtain information on ongoing reforms, and better understand the legal framework that governs national processes.