Ballot beckons on 29th, Tanzanians walk the talk

DAR ES SALAAM: THIS time next week on Wednesday the 29th, all roads will lead not to the markets, not to the stadiums and definitely not to party parades, but to our local polling stations.

It is voting day. A moment every five years where Tanzanians, from Kigoma to Kilwa, Dodoma to Dar, step forward with quiet power and loud purpose.

We will elect our Ward Councillors, Members of Parliament and, yes, the next President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Let us be clear: This is serious business, not a festival of flags and flyers.

This is not the time for party jerseys, chant battles or last-minute campaign theatrics disguised as “cheerleading”.

The law is clear and so is the expectation: No political colours, no posters, no slogans. Voters should walk in with conviction, not confusion.

Anyone attempting to sway minds at the 11th hour with noise instead of ideas is not only breaking the rules, they are insulting the democratic intelligence of Tanzanians. We expect maturity.

We expect civility. Above all, we expect that legendary Tanzanian peace to shine even brighter. Elections are not a war; they are a handshake between leaders and the people. Let the ballot be the only battleground and the inked finger the only victory dance.

The Police Force, too, will be out in full, not as instruments of intimidation, but as guardians of the process. Their presence should reassure, not alarm.

They are there to ensure no voter is harassed, no polling officer is obstructed and no process is corrupted.

It is not a show of force; it is a show of faith in order. And to our fellow citizens: If you are registered to vote, vote.

Don’t let your vote gather dust while others decide your future. Democracy only works when the majority shows up and not when it sleeps in.

Let this be a mass movement of the ballot, a peaceful march of the patriotic. The line to vote should be longer than any political rally you’ve ever attended.

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Again, we call on the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to be fully vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the integrity of our elections.

We urge the public to firmly reject any party or politician attempting to buy votes with money, gifts or favours, because true democracy cannot be traded or bribed.

Let every vote be cast freely, fairly and without influence, so our nation can move forward with leaders chosen by the will of the people, not the weight of wallets.

Finally, remember this: Elections are a moment, but our nation is forever. What unites us is always greater than what divides us.

So come Wednesday, October 29th leave the colours, bring your conscience. Because in Tanzania, peace is not a slogan, it is a culture. Let us live it. Let us lead it. And most of all, let us vote for it.