Politicians urged to champion peace ahead of polls

DAR ES SALAAM: WITH just weeks to go before Tanzanians head to the polls on October 29, presidential and parliamentary candidates are calling on fellow politicians to safeguard peace through their conduct, language and leadership.

While security agencies, citizens and the media all contribute to a smooth electoral process, candidates agree that politicians stand at the very centre of it all.

Their choices from how they speak on the campaign trail to how they manage their parties will determine whether the elections strengthen or divide the nation. The most consistent call is for politicians to consciously choose their words.

Sauti ya Umma (SAU) presidential candidate Majalio Kyara insists campaigns must be issue based.

“Hate speech is a sign that a candidate has no policies. Instead of presenting policies to citizens, they resort to insulting others. But citizens today want to hear how you will help them with their challenges,” Kyara said.

He urged candidates to focus on agriculture, jobs, education and healthcare rather than insults.

Chama Cha Makini presidential candidate Coaster Kibonde echoed this, saying leaders must “use language that builds cohesion, not words of hatred that can disrupt unity and peace.”

Kyara also warned against the destructive power of fake news, calling it a fuel for unrest. “Politicians must refrain from using false claims to incite anger.

Saying something like ‘Our country is being sold’ without basis can lead to unnecessary unrest. The antidote is honesty, transparency and responsible communication, both on stage and on social media,” he said.

The duty to verify claims before amplifying them, he stressed, is a matter of national security, not political spin.

Peace, candidates argue, begins at home. Alliance for African Farmers Party (AAFP) presidential candidate Kunje Ngombale Mwiru warned that parties riddled with internal wrangling and violent primaries risk exporting that chaos to the national stage.

“A politician who cannot manage peace within their own party cannot credibly promise it for the nation,” Mwiru said, adding that resolving disputes democratically sets a powerful example.

He stressed that unity within parties respecting constitutions, avoiding favouritism and resolving disputes amicably is a cornerstone of national stability.

Mwiru also emphasised cooperation with security agencies: “This does not mean they interfere in politics but ensure safety. For example, during my campaign launch in Kisaki, I received great cooperation from security organs. Respecting security guidelines, communicating openly and ensuring crowds remain orderly are key ways politicians can support peaceful environments.” For Mwiru, patriotism itself is the bedrock of peace.

His rallying cry: “My priorities are patriotism, patriotism and patriotism. Without patriotism, we invite violence and turmoil.”

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He even proposed establishing patriotism desks in every ward, led by retirees, to instil unity and loyalty in the younger generation.

Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) parliamentary candidate for Ilala, Nuru Othman, reminded leaders that they are role models: “It is the responsibility of leaders to teach their followers to respect other parties, accept ideological differences and participate in politics peacefully.”

This means publicly denouncing violence, discouraging insults and modelling civility to show that democracy thrives on diversity, not uniformity.

Kibonde highlighted the vulnerability of young people, who are often manipulated during campaigns.

“If we misuse the youth to spread hatred, we put the nation at risk. I urge young people not to allow themselves to be misused,” he said.

Instead, politicians must channel youth energy into nation-building by offering civic education and meaningful platforms for participation.

UMD presidential candidate Mwajuma Milambo stressed that politicians must be unequivocal in rejecting violence.

“Politicians must clearly and repeatedly instruct their supporters that violence, intimidation and property destruction are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” she said.

She added that her party educates its followers “to be calm, tolerant and to also respect the policies and ideologies of other parties.”

“Peace during elections is not an accident,” Milambo added.

“It is the result of deliberate choices by politicians. Without it, even political activities would not be possible.”

A Shared Legacy of Peace From the choice of words to internal unity, from protecting the youth to respecting institutions, the message from candidates is clear: peace is the responsibility of politicians. The October polls, like all elections, will come and go.

But as Milambo reminded, the legacy of leaders will be judged not only by the votes they win but by the peace they preserve.

“After October 29, life will continue. It is our duty to sustain that harmony,” she said.