NRA candidate touts peace, unity

DAR ES SALAAM: NATIONAL Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) presidential candidate, Hassan Almas, has appealed to Tanzanians to maintain peace during the forthcoming election, stressing that national unity must come before political interests.

“The nation must come first; political parties come after. Without a country, political parties cannot exist,” he said while addressing a campaign rally in Kigamboni District, Dar es Salaam Region.

Mr Almas emphasised that elections are a right of the people, not the property of political parties. “We are choosing a leader who will serve all Tanzanians, not just representing a party,” he stressed.

Highlighting the role of youth in leadership, Mr Almas recalled the call by the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, for committed and courageous young leaders. “We must have youth with a clean conscience and the right intentions to lead this country forward,” he said.

Unveiling his vision, the NRA flag-bearer proposed a 100-year national development plan anchored on stable policies that transcend political cycles. Among his key pledges are free healthcare and education for all citizens.

On taxation, Mr Almas pledged to establish a centralised online tax collection system to enhance transparency and curb corruption. He further announced that small-scale traders with capital below 20m/- would be exempted from paying taxes, leaving the tax burden to larger businesses.

“Tax should be charged on big companies. Small traders are already struggling,” he pointed out.

He also condemned the commercialisation of funerals, pledging that burials would be conducted with dignity and at no cost.

Turning to social values, Mr Almas emphasised the family as the foundation of the nation, vowing to introduce strict laws to curb homosexuality and lesbianism.

He outlined major government reforms, including reducing the number of ministries to ten, with district commissioners taking charge of local service delivery.

He further pledged to establish a 10-member Presidential Advisory Council and to restructure Parliament by appointing a neutral Speaker and creating a chamber for alternative views, replacing the traditional opposition camp.

On infrastructure, Mr Almas said Tanzania’s abundant natural resources, such as rivers, lakes, sunlight and wind, would be harnessed to meet the country’s water and energy needs. “We will deploy solar- and wind-powered systems to ensure access to clean water,” he said.

He vowed to complete the constitutional reform process using the existing draft, amend electoral laws and establish institutions to strengthen democracy and leadership.

The NRA aspirant also pledged to tackle cybercrime, especially mobile data theft and fraudulent subscriptions, through robust monitoring systems.

In addition, he promised to privatise all state-owned enterprises to boost efficiency and reduce the financial burden on government.

On security, Mr Almas called for transforming the Police Force from a force of control into a service of protection. “We must uphold the rule of law and respect our security institutions. The police must serve and protect the people, not instill fear,” he emphasised.

Mr Almas’s campaign continues to gain momentum as he positions himself as a reformist leader committed to steering Tanzania towards a just, efficient and people-centred future.

Meanwhile, Mr Almas has pledged to remove barriers hindering trade between Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania, emphasising that this initiative will empower the people of Unguja and Pemba to lift themselves out of poverty.

Speaking to traders and residents at Darajani Business Centre in Zanzibar Town over the weekend, Mr Almas emphasised that if there is truly a union between the two countries, there should be no boundaries that impose unnecessary restrictions.

“Elect me as your next president and I will ensure seamless business operations between Zanzibar and the Mainland,” he urged, stressing the importance of removing barriers that hinder commerce.

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He emphasised the need for supportive, citizenfriendly laws that enable people to pursue economic activities freely and without unnecessary burdens.

While acknowledging the deep importance of the Union, which he said people cherish, Mr Almas recognised that it also presents challenges that the NRA will prioritise addressing.

“Zanzibaris have unique concerns that must be protected and safeguarding these will enhance the value of the Union and strengthen the brotherhood between the citizens of Mainland Tanzania and the Isles,” he explained.