Govt vows peaceful elections, enhanced police mobility

DODOMA: WITH Tanzania gearing up for the General Election in October this year, the government has issued a strong assurance of its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and orderly process.

Minister for Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa said in the National Assembly on Wednesday that authorities are wellprepared to deal decisively with any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the electoral proceedings.

“We are prepared to ensure the election proceeds smoothly and peacefully and we are ready to deal appropriately with anyone who tries to cause chaos,” he stated.

In a move aimed at bolstering law enforcement capabilities across the country, the minister announced a significant initiative to improve police mobility.

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He said the government will begin distributing vehicles to Officers Commanding Criminal Investigation Departments (OC-CIDs) nationwide from August.

This strategic deployment is expected to enhance the police force’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively, he said. The announcement came in response to a supplementary question from Antipas Zeno Mgungusi, the Member of Parliament for Malinyi constituency in Morogoro.

Mr Mgungusi had sought clarification on when the government would provide vehicles to the Police Force in his district, highlighting the need for adequate resources to ensure proper service delivery to the citizens of Malinyi.

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The minister said in September 2023, the government, through the Police Force, distributed one new vehicle with registration number PT 4851, a Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup, to Malinyi District, bringing the total number of operational police vehicles in the district to two.

Mr Bashungwa further emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to equipping its Police Force. He noted that the government continues to allocate funds from its annual budget for the purchase of various essential tools, including vehicles, which are then distributed to all regions and districts across the country.