Mwinyi, clerics warn against divisive rhetoric
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has urged politicians to use their platforms responsibly by focusing on communicating and promoting their party’s policies and priorities, rather than spreading hatred and fuelling divisive politics.
Delivering greetings to Muslim followers after a special Friday prayer for government leaders at Shaafi Mosque in Mjini Magharibi, President Mwinyi asked politicians to use political platforms to promote constructive dialogue.
“It is crucial for politicians to promote peace and clearly show how they will serve citizens once entrusted with leadership, instead of engaging in divisive politics marked by hatred and insults that fuel public conflict,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He encouraged religious leaders and their fraternity to continue praying for peace as the country approaches the General Election to be held in October, this year.
Dr Mwinyi emphasised that every responsible citizen shares the duty of safeguarding the country’s lasting peace, stressing that without peace, meaningful progress is impossible.
“We pray to Almighty God to sustain our unity and cooperation for the benefit and well-being of our nation. May He guide us through this period safely and help us remain united for the good of both present and future generations,” he said.
Minister of State in the President’s Office (Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance), Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman commended religious leaders for organising special prayers for the nation, urging them to continue offering spiritual support throughout the election period.
On his part, Friday prayer coordinator, Sheikh Khamis Shaabani Almamary highlighted that inciting conflict and publicly disparaging leaders are actions condemned by God and His Prophets.
“Sowing discord and publicly disrespecting others are acts firmly condemned by God and His Prophets,” said Sheikh Almamary.
Moreover, Executive Secretary from the Office of the Chief Mufti of Zanzibar, Sheikh Khalid Ali Mfaume and Mosque Committee Chairperson, Alhaji Judge Ibrahim Mzee called on all religious leaders and sheikhs to continue praying for peace and stability in the country.
He urged all religious leaders to continue praying for peace and stability in the country during this election period.
Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) will tomorrow announce the muchanticipated timetable for this year’s General Election in Zanzibar, marking a crucial step in the islands’ electoral calendar.
ZEC is the body mandated to oversee elections for councillors, members of the House of Representatives and the President of Zanzibar.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) handles the Union presidential election, parliamentary polls across the United Republic of Tanzania and council elections on the mainland. INEC officially declared Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as General Election Day.
