Stakeholders tell youth to preserve peace, exercise tolerance

DAR ES SALAAM: AHEAD of October 29th polls, political stakeholders have called for intensified advocacy and civic education aimed at empowering youth to uphold peace and embrace the principles of multi-party democracy.

Speaking in a series of interviews, the stakeholders called for an intensive advocacy for peace and civic education for the youth to uphold peace, while embracing multi-party democracy through among others accepting the election results.

They also urged government authorities including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the election is free and fair and mostly to ensure justice prevails to all people.

Seasoned Political Analyst, Mr Hamiduni Maliseli based in Mwanza told the Daily News that intensive peace promotion will enable all citizens including the youth to get rid of fear being instigated through some social media of unnecessary chaos during the Election Day.

“Political parties during the electoral campaigns should preach peace, explain the importance of peace and mobilise people to protect it.  By doing so they will erase unfounded fears during the Election Day,” Mr Maliseli said.

He said all political parties should tell their youth regardless of their political affiliations that there is no an alternative country to call home, if Tanzania gets into chaos.

“To all citizens, the nation starts first before their political parties,” Mr Maliseli said.

He called on all parties to prepare their members to accept the election results hinting that every election has winners and losers.

Mr Maliseli urged the government authorities to ensure that the election is free and fair and justice prevails to all people, a move that will make the 2025 Election have both legal and political legitimacy.

He insisted that any misunderstanding within the country can be addressed through reconciliation and dialogues at the presence of peace.

Looking forward, he advised political parties to introduce a declaration as a condition for all members including the youth to preserve peace before they seek leadership positions.

For his part, Ilala District Commissioner, Mr Edward Mpogolo emphasised to the youth to avoid using Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) generated disinformation as grounds for triggering unrest in their mother country.

“First and foremost, as youth we have a responsibility of promoting peace,” Mr Mpogolo said.

He echoed the fact that peace is a foundation for justice. At his capacity as DC, he said the government through its security bodies including the Police in Ilala, Dar es Salaam will ensure citizens enjoy peace before, during and after the election.

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“My request is that people should not attempt to bring chaos. There is no way that we can taste poison. Because at the time we taste poison, it is the time we perish,” Mr Mpogolo said.

Director for the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Onesmo Olengurumwa said that multipartism is a fundamental pillar of democracy in any country.

He said that the presence of a multiparty political system is crucial in safeguarding national peace, as it helps to minimise emergence of extremist ideologies.

According to him, when citizens have legitimate channels such as political parties to voice their concerns, they are less likely to resort to radicalism.

Mr Olengurumwa said that for political parties, particularly those in opposition, to engage peacefully in the political process, their rights must be fully recognised and respected.

Otherwise, he warned, there will be complaints and tensions when those rights are curtailed.

Turning his attention to the youth, he urged them to actively participate in all levels of the political process, starting from the grassroots, noting that they are the leaders of tomorrow and should not allow themselves to be used for the personal interests of politicians.

“Young people must take the lead in promoting peace, justice and stability. These are their responsibilities after all, it was young leaders by then like Mwalimu Julius Nyerere who spearheaded the struggle that led to our country’s independence,” Mr Olengurumwa said.

The Director for Tanzania Youth Coalition (TYC), Mr Lenin Kazoba underscored the importance of equipping young people with knowledge and awareness on various issues, including electoral processes.

Mr Kazoba said that educating young people should be a continuous effort, rather than something done only during or shortly before election periods.

He added that civic education plays a crucial role in strengthening democratic engagement.

Speaking on political tolerance, Mr Kazoba pointed out that many young people lack critical thinking skills and often fail to appreciate that individuals can hold differing opinions or viewpoints without conflict.

Mr Kazoba highlighted the significant role civil society organisations play in preparing young people to engage meaningfully in all areas, including politics, through active involvement and empowerment.

“We shall continue working with young people and other stakeholders to ensure that we build a nation with a strong and united vision,” he stated.

Speaking at a peace symposium toward the general elections earlier last month in Dar es Salaam, Deputy Registrar of Political Parties in Zanzibar, Mr Ali Mohamed Ali deliberated on the role of the registrar in promoting peace and multi-party democracy in Tanzania, especially during this election period.

He said peace, stability, unity and solidarity are not merely legal concepts, but are values instilled by the founders of this nation, regardless of their side of the Union, religion, or tribe.

The President of the Sheikh Council of Tanzania, Sheikh Abdallah Ndauga spoke about the importance of national unity despite differing thoughts, ideologies, perspectives and beliefs in ensuring that peace continues to prevail.

He stressed the need to encourage people to respect electoral rules and regulations to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and smoothly.

Pastor Petro Karata underscored the importance of voting by referencing a Bible from the book of Proverbs 18:18, stating that voting resolves conflicts.

He suggested that if there are disagreements among political parties any disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consensus.