President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on Tanzanians to uphold peace before, during and after the upcoming October 29 General Election, warning against those seeking to use the political season to stir unrest.
Speaking at the Peace Forum organized by the Tanzania Union of Imams (UMATA) at Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam on August 24, President Samia said elections often raise political tension worldwide, but some exploit the moment to destabilize nations. “Across the world, election periods raise political temperatures, it happens because there are those who want to use that time as an opportunity to disrupt peace and they are both outside and inside the country,” she said.
She cautioned that some foreign actors may hope to take advantage of instability, while within the country, others are driven by personal ambition. “There are those inside who are driven by the hunger for power and privileges. They fail to accept when they lose and ask, why not me? These too are enemies of peace,” President Samia said.
The President urged political and religious leaders to put the nation above personal interests. “There is life after elections. Let this be your message,” she said.
She also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all authorities involved to act fairly throughout the election process. “Let us make sure justice is done at every stage, because where there is justice, God’s blessings follow. Our message to INEC is this, stand firm and do justice to all,” President Samia said.
Sheikh Mussa Kundecha of the National Muslim Council praised the government’s decision to include religious studies in the new education curriculum, saying it would strengthen values and morality. “Our country has long struggled with the issue of morals. By making religious education part of the curriculum, you have given us hope for stronger foundations,” he said.
Other clerics from both Muslim and Christian communities urged Tanzanians to maintain unity and avoid provocative language during campaigns.
