‘Leaders chosen at polls shapes nation’s future’

DAR ES SALAAM: AS the country heads to the General Election, political analysts, scholars, and ordinary citizens alike are emphasising that elections are not just political exercises, but a vital tool for national development.

They argue that elections determine the leaders who shape public policy and set the nation’s development agenda.

According to them, elections go beyond the act of voting they form the foundation upon which a nation’s future is built.

Citizens are therefore, urged to treat elections as a powerful instrument for driving social and economic transformation.

Speaking to the Daily News in separate interviews recently, Dr Frank William, a lecturer at the Tengeru Institute of Community Development (TICD), stressed that elections are essential tools for national progress, allowing citizens to engage with candidates’ party manifesto, scrutinise their promises, and ask critical questions about issues such as social services and resource management.

“It’s important for citizens to participate in elections because through this process, we determine who our leaders will be. We must elect people with clear visions and strong plans to address the challenges our communities face,” said Dr William.

He highlighted the need for voters to understand the responsibilities of elected leaders from local councillors to Members of Parliament and national executives, because these individuals play critical roles in shaping development policies.

“Councillors, for instance, approve development plans at the municipal level. MPs make laws that shape national governance. If we elect leaders without vision or integrity, we end up with weak laws, poor policies, and mismanagement of resources,” he warned.

He added: “Top government leaders decide how our taxes paid through our hardearned money are used. If we elect dishonest individuals, we’ll keep complaining about poor roads, underfunded schools and failing public services.  But if we choose competent and ethical leaders, our resources will be well managed, development will flourish, and everyone will benefit.”

Dr Paul Loisulie, a lecturer and political analyst at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), echoed these sentiments, stating that elections produce leadership, which in turn is responsible for planning and managing development.

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“Elections give us leaders. When we vote, we entrust people with the responsibility of championing development,” he said.

Dr Loisulie added that sustainable development cannot happen without democratic electoral processes.

He emphasised that free and fair elections are necessary to produce visionary leaders with solid development plans.

“Politics and elections form the backbone of any nation’s development. Politics essentially involves the distribution of resources, who gets what, when, and how and that process begins with elections,” he said.

Political analyst Mr Hamiduni Maliseli reinforced this view, noting that development and elections are deeply intertwined.

“Elections are central to development. Where there are no credible and free elections, there’s usually little or no meaningful development. Elections allow people to choose leaders they trust leaders, who care and represent their true interests,” said Mr Maliseli.

He noted that elections empower citizens and establish systems of accountability.

“Democratically elected leaders are obligated to improve the welfare of those who elected them. When people trust their leaders, they’re more willing to participate in development efforts—pay taxes, obey laws, and support public initiatives,” he said.

Mr Maliseli also pointed out that elections provide a platform for voters to assess current leaders’ performance and decide whether they deserve to stay in office.

“Elections build trust between the government and the people, which enhances national unity and accelerates development,” he said, adding that they allow candidates to publicly present their development agendas, helping voters make informed choices.

Tanzania Institute of Community Development (TICD) lecturer Rose Mtei urged Tanzanians to preserve peace during the election period, calling it a national treasure.

“Peace is not just the government’s responsibility, it is everyone’s. Without peace, there are no schools, no jobs, no functioning economy,” she said.

Her colleague, Dr Juma Mhina, agreed, adding that peace is a fundamental requirement for national development, especially during elections.

“There is no development without peace. During campaigns and on election day, we must remain calm and exercise wisdom. Candidates should engage in civilised campaigns free from insults, hatred, or incitement,” he said.

He emphasised that citizens must respect the outcome of elections and the institutions constitutionally mandated to oversee the process. Economist and former Dar es Salaam University Students’ Organisation (DARUSO) President Mr Paulo Lucumay described elections as a direct mechanism for citizens to influence the development path of the country.

“Through elections, we choose leaders who will shape the nation’s direction, manage development priorities, and ensure equitable distribution of resources,” he said.

Mr Lucumay emphasised that elections promote transparency and accountability by enabling voters to either renew a leader’s mandate or replace them through democratic means.

He urged voters to focus on candidates’ qualifications and leadership qualities rather than party loyalty or campaign promises.

“We must look beyond party affiliations and assess candidates based on their knowledge, integrity, patriotism, and ability to manage public resources for everyone’s benefit,” he said.

He noted that elections are a rare opportunity for citizens to influence critical national decisions.

“This is our chance to decide who becomes a councillor, a Member of Parliament, or even a future minister people who will shape the national budget, oversee development projects, and create job opportunities. We cannot afford to take this lightly,” he said.

Dar es Salaam resident Ms Rahma Othman emphasised that elections are especially important for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

“Tanzanians must use the elections as a platform to ensure their interests are represented in national development agendas. Development doesn’t come by chance—it comes through deliberate and informed choices,” she said.

Youth and Economic Diplomacy expert Mr Ridhiwani Maulid described elections as a key driver of national progress.

“The ballot box gives citizens the power to select leaders with the vision, values, and capacity to lead. Elections are moments of transformation,” he said.

Mr Maulid concluded by stressing the importance of leadership quality. “Leadership capacity, commitment, and intellect determine how fast and effectively a country develops. If we vote based on merit, our country will continue to achieve rapid and sustainable progress,” he said.