DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called on political party leaders to lead by example in maintaining peace and firmly opposing any signs of violence ahead of the Local Government Elections.
This call to action came as he addressed the National Conference and Forum on the Importance of Peace Ahead of the Local Government Elections, an event organised by the Shia Muslim Community of Tanzania held in Dar es Salaam, on Saturday.
Representing President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Premier Majaliwa strongly emphasised the need for unity and peace across Tanzania, particularly during the election period.
“Encourage your members to participate in this election while maintaining the peace we have,” the Prime Minister urged. “All citizens who have registered on the voter roll for the Local Government Elections should turn out in large numbers to vote at their polling stations on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. This day will be a special public holiday meant for the elections.”
By designating November 27 as a public holiday, the government aims to remove any barriers for citizens wishing to vote, ensuring that as many people as possible can exercise their democratic right without being hindered by work or other obligations.
The Prime Minister’s speech also focused on the responsibilities of political party leaders to cultivate a culture of respect, unity and understanding among their members.
According to Mr Majaliwa, party leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for peaceful engagement and respectful dialogue, values that should be upheld at every stage of the election process.
“Leaders have a duty to demonstrate that political differences should never be allowed to escalate into hostility or violence. In a democracy, there is strength in diversity and this diversity should be celebrated, not stifled,” he said.
He also reminded citizens on the fundamental importance of voting as both a right and a civic duty. Voting, he noted, is a means through which Tanzanians can contribute to shaping their communities by choosing leaders who are committed to their welfare and progress.
He emphasised that the election was not only about selecting representatives but also about upholding Tanzania’s democratic values, which have been carefully preserved and nurtured over the years.
“It is important to remember that voting is both a constitutional duty and a right for every Tanzanian citizen,” he said. “This election offers an opportunity to elect leaders who will serve communities at the village, street and hamlet levels, as well as members of village councils and street committees.”
These roles are central to addressing the daily needs of citizens, from improving local infrastructure to ensuring access to essential services.
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The Prime Minister encouraged all eligible voters to participate fully, stressing that their involvement is critical to the success of Tanzania’s democracy at the grassroots level.
In addition to his appeal to political parties and citizens, Prime Minister Majaliwa recognised the valuable contributions of religious organisations in promoting social harmony and supporting government initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ lives.
He extended his gratitude to these organisations, particularly noting the work of the Shia Muslim Community of Tanzania in organising the peace-focused conference. According to Majaliwa, religious groups have been instrumental in providing not only spiritual guidance, but also tangible support in the areas of healthcare, education and community development.
“In addition to providing spiritual guidance, religious institutions have been supportive of various government efforts in delivering social services to citizens,” he remarked, highlighting the collaborative efforts between religious leaders and the government in strengthening Tanzania’s social fabric.
The importance of religious organisations in promoting peace and tolerance was echoed by other speakers at the event, including the Chairperson of the Tanzania Reconciliation and Peace Association (JMAT), Alhad Mussa Salum.
The chairperson praised the Shia Muslim Community for their ongoing efforts to foster a peaceful environment in Tanzania, expressing his gratitude for their commitment to stability and national unity.
“I am a good witness to the efforts of the Shia community in ensuring that peace and security in Tanzania continue to grow and strengthen,” he said, adding that the community’s dedication to peace serves as an example for others to follow.
Prime Minister Majaliwa’s address served as a reminder to all Tanzanians to cherish and uphold the peace that has been a hallmark of the nation.
With his call for peaceful, responsible participation in the electoral process, he emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and transparent voting environment.
By appealing to political leaders, citizens and religious groups alike, the Prime Minister highlighted the collective responsibility of safeguarding Tanzania’s democracy and preserving the unity that binds the nation together.
As the Local Government Elections approach, his message resonates as a powerful call for peace, cooperation and active civic engagement across the country.
Ahead of the local government elections, the statistics show that over 31 million eligible Tanzanians, representing 94.83 per cent, have registered on the voter roll.
According to the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mohamed Mchengerwa, this number marks a significant increase compared to the 2019 Local Government Elections.
In 2019, a total of 19,681,256 voters were registered, which was 86 per cent of the targeted 22,916,412 voters.
This year’s record was achieved following a 10-day registration exercise launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on 11th October.
