Election observers urge Tanzanians to safeguard peace
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIANS have been urged to protect their hard earned reputation as East Africa’s most peaceful nation following the conclusion of the General Election.
Head of the East African Community (EAC) Election Observer Mission and former Vice-President of Uganda, Dr Specioza Kazibwe, praised Tanzania over the weekend for its political maturity, unity and steadfast commitment to peace and stability.
“Tanzania has always been a champion of peacekeeping in the region. I recall the liberators who went to Uganda to restore peace and I salute all sons and daughters of this great nation who made it possible for some of us to assume leadership. Without Tanzania and the late President Julius Nyerere, the region’s story could have been very different,” she said.
Dr Kazibwe commended all presidential candidates for their sportsmanship and willingness to cooperate with President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the good of the country.
“I have not seen this elsewhere where all candidates come together shortly after elections and concede defeat with dignity. In the end, Tanzania is the true winner,” she observed.
The EAC Mission chief also applauded Tanzanians for their collective resolve to maintain peace, describing it as the nation’s most treasured value.
“We look up to you to show what it means to live and work together as one people. Tanzania has demonstrated its readiness to protect the peace of its citizens and that is something to be proud of,” she added.
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Dr Kazibwe further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a transparent and well-organised election that met international standards.
Extending her congratulations to President Dr Samia, Dr Kazibwe said it was a moment of pride for Africa to witness a woman ascend to the highest office in the land.
“As Africa’s first female Vice-President, I remember meeting Samia in Beijing in 1995 when she was a young woman. Seeing her now as President makes me very proud,” she recalled.
She urged Tanzanian women and girls to pursue education and leadership opportunities, emphasising that the nation’s development depends on the equal participation of men and women.
“Dr Samia’s leadership is an inspiration to all of us. Congratulations, my daughter and younger sister. Our region will continue to prosper by following Tanzania’s example,” Dr Kazibwe said.
