From pulpit to polls: Religious leaders call for peaceful participation

DAR ES SALAAM: AS Tanzanians tomorrow elect their president, members of parliament and councillors, religious leaders across the country are raising their voices in unity, urging all the citizens to vote peacefully and protect the nation’s most treasured asset: Peace.

They say peace is not only the bedrock of Tanzania’s democracy but also a sacred legacy left by the country’s founding fathers, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume.

Speaking in separate interviews with the Daily News recently, leaders from both Christian and Muslim faiths emphasised the need for every citizen to safeguard unity, avoid provocation and participate fully in the forthcoming elections.

‘Peace is everyone’s responsibility’ The Presiding Priest and Bishop of the Pool of Siloam Church in Tanzania, Bishop Aman Furaha, said peace concerns all Tanzanians, regardless of their faith or political belief.

“Peace is not a political slogan; it is a necessity for all citizens,” he said.

“Without peace, none of us can enjoy development, education or even good health. We must all defend it.”

Bishop Furaha reminded believers that it is every individual’s moral duty to protect peace and reject those with malicious intentions to destroy it.

He cautioned that anger or a sense of injustice should never be used to justify violence.

“You can demand good roads, hospitals, a new constitution or higher salaries but without peace, none of those things can be enjoyed,” he said.

“Chaos will only scatter people and destroy progress. Let us not fall into the trap of those who wish to harm our nation.”

He added that differences in opinion were normal and healthy in any democracy, but they must always be channelled towards building, not dividing the nation.

“In any country, people will never think or decide the same way,” he said.

“But our opinions should help strengthen Tanzania, not tear it apart.”

The cleric also urged citizens to take part in the polls, stressing that voting is both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility.

“Your vote is your power as a Tanzanian,” he said.

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“The decision on who to elect belongs to you alone, guided by your conscience and your hopes for the country. Collective participation through voting is what makes democracy meaningful.”

He warned against those who discourage others from voting, saying they deny citizens their fundamental right.

“A nation without leadership lacks direction and protection. We must elect leaders at all levels; president, MP and councillor, to move the country forward,” he said.

‘Reject divisive voices’ On his part, Archbishop Dr Eliudi Isangya of the International Evangelism Church (IEC) called on Tanzanians to maintain calm and reject any attempts to incite violence or division.

“Peaceful elections are our national identity,” he said.

“Some people, inside and outside our borders, do not wish to see Tanzania succeed because our democracy and stability frustrate them. We must not allow their plans to divide us.”

He said some groups were trying to organise demonstrations or spread false information to discourage citizens from voting.

“These people will not succeed,” Archbishop Isangya said confidently.

“God is with Tanzania. Our churches across the country and abroad are praying for peace before, during and after the election.”

He added that those who wish harm upon the nation aim to cripple essential sectors.

“They want children out of school, farmers to abandon their crops and traders to close their businesses. But their schemes will fail because Tanzanians are peace-loving people,” he said.

‘Peace is a divine command’ For Sheikh Shaban Juma, Regional Sheikh of Arusha and Chairman of the Tanzania Muslim Council (BAKWATA), peace is not just a national value; it is a commandment rooted in faith.

“Peace is a fundamental principle in Islam,” he explained.

“Any Muslim who encourages unrest acts against the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.”

He said Tanzania’s founders were guided by both moral and spiritual conviction when they built a united nation.

“Peace is at the heart of Islam and Christianity alike. If any leader or citizen; Muslim or Christian, incites people to violence, they must be reminded of the importance of peace and urged to repent,” he said.

Sheikh Shaban warned that losing peace would paralyse the nation.

“When peace disappears, children cannot go to school, farmers stop cultivating and workers live in fear. All development comes to a halt,” he cautioned.

He also urged clerics and scholars to use their platforms responsibly.

“Any religious leader who misleads followers by preaching hatred or division stands against the teachings of Islam. It is the duty of imams and sheikhs to correct such individuals and remind them of the true message of peace,” he said.

‘Go out and vote, keep peace alive’ The cleric further appealed to all Muslims and Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers to vote on October 29, noting that citizens have had ample time to listen to political manifestos.

“After months of campaigns, people now know who can best lead our nation toward prosperity,” he said.

“Let us vote wisely, ignore misinformation and focus on what unites us as Tanzanians.” He warned against apathy and manipulation.

“Those discouraging others from voting are serving personal interests, not national ones,” he said.

“Tanzanians today are wise, they can tell the difference between truth and deception.”

In his closing message, Sheikh Shaban reminded citizens that peace is fragile but invaluable.

“If peace is broken, everyone will suffer,” he said.

“We must protect it for ourselves, for our children and for generations to come.”

As Tanzania approaches the polls, the resounding call from religious leaders is clear: Let peace lead the way.

In their eyes, the true victory on October 29 will not just be counted in votes, but in the calm, unity and dignity with which Tanzanians uphold the legacy of their nation’s founders