Safe, orderly voting assured

• Police intensify measures to ensure peaceful polls

DODOMA: AS Tanzania prepares for the General Election on Wednesday, government authorities have stepped up measures to guarantee a safe, peaceful and orderly voting process across the country.

Security agencies, including the police, have been conducting extensive preparations to protect citizens and polling stations from any potential disturbances.

These efforts aim to ensure that voters can exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.

Yesterday, the Tanzania Police Force issued a statement, assuring citizens and visitors that the national security situation remains stable and no threat will hinder the peaceful voting process.

The force has assured the public that it is fully prepared to take lawful action against anyone who deliberately or maliciously breaks the country’s laws in a manner that threatens national peace on or after election day.

Police Spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime warned in the statement that that those who violate the law will face legal consequences, as ample education and warnings have already been provided over an extended period.

“Whoever dares to break the law should not blame anyone for the legal actions taken against them. Citizens have been sufficiently educated,” said DCP Misime in the statement.

For the past few months, the public has also been urged to remain vigilant against misinformation and inflammatory content circulating on social media, which could disrupt the electoral process.

Last week, Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Samia Suluhu Hassan reassured citizens that the country will remain secured during the elections and encouraged all eligible voters to turn out in large numbers.

Speaking at a campaign rally at Leaders Club grounds in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam Region, President Samia said that the only marches expected on election day would be citizens heading to polling stations

. She insisted that there is no threat to national security.

“On October 29, go and vote. The only marches you will see are of people going to cast their votes. There will be no other demonstrations, no insecurity. This is the Commander-in-Chief speaking,” she said.

President Samia also highlighted her administration’s commitment to improving essential services that uphold the dignity of Tanzanians.

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“I took an oath to serve and protect this nation and uphold the dignity of Tanzanians. Ensuring access to clean water, health services, education and national security is part of fulfilling that oath,” she added.

Director of Elections at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ramadhan Kailima reminded the public on Uchaguzi TV in Dodoma recently that political activities or gatherings are prohibited within 300 metres of polling stations on election day.

He said that every voter plays a role in safeguarding their polling station and urged citizens to maintain a peaceful environment.

The Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security before, during and after the election.

In a statement issued by Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Colonel Bernard Mlunga, the TPDF called on all political parties to uphold peace and monitor the security situation responsibly.

“The TPDF is satisfied with the prevailing peace during the campaign period, as political parties are conduct ing activities in line with legal requirements, mutual respect and tolerance,” Col Mlunga said.

In Zanzibar, Police Commissioner Kombo Khamis Kombo reassured residents that the islands are secure ahead of the polls.

He highlighted strategies in place to maintain law and order, including securing polling stations, enforcing laws impartially and educating citizens about non-violence and avoiding political provocation.

“The peace of Zanzibar is extremely valuable. Let us protect it together so that the 2025 General Election becomes a model of democracy, calmness and respect for the law,” Kombo said.