DPM explains clerics’ crucial role in forthcoming elections
DAR ES SALAAM: As Tanzania heads into the Local Government elections scheduled for later this year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has called on religious leaders to play a pivotal role in educating voters.
Dr Biteko made this call while officiating at the International Day of Peace event, organized by the Religious Committee on Peace and Reconciliation (JMAT), at the Karimjee grounds in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
He emphasized that the local government elections should be taken seriously, as they provide a crucial platform for electing leaders who serve at the grassroots level.
Addressing the well-attended gathering, Dr Biteko encouraged aspiring candidates to step forward without hesitation and urged citizens to elect leaders based on their leadership qualities and compassion for the community.
“These leaders are only considered important when people want to sell land to each other, but during the elections, we don’t choose them. As a result, we end up with incompetent leaders who, instead of bringing happiness to your neighborhood, cause pain,” he noted.
He added, “I urge everyone to participate in these elections and elect someone, regardless of their financial status, who has good ideas to help and improve society. Even if they lack money, as long as they have good ideas, choose them. If you choose someone based on their wealth, they will trust their money more than the people who elected them, and you will end up serving their money instead of them serving you.”
Dr Biteko also urged religious leaders to promote civility during the campaign period, encouraging politicians to avoid using abusive language and refraining from discussing personal matters.
“Let these elections unite us further as a country, strengthening our peace to the point of attracting others to learn from us. We should stop holding campaigns that dishonor one another. Running for office is not a sin, and asking for votes by insulting others is not honorable. Let us ask for votes politely by explaining our differences in ideas, policies, and approaches to development. Instead of wasting time talking about people, their affairs, or their personal lives, let’s focus on development,” he insisted.
Emphasizing the importance of peace, the DPM noted that in a country with over 60 million people, it is natural to have different thoughts and ideas, but everyone should respect each other’s perspectives.
“We have many differences, but we should never allow them to divide us or cause harm. Despite our religious, political, tribal, and social differences, let’s love one another. All we need is to tolerate and respect each other,” he said.
