DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has assured members of the diplomatic corps and the international community that the upcoming elections will be conducted peacefully and in adherence to democratic principles.
Speaking to diplomats in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said preparations were on track for the November 27 local government elections and next year’s General Elections.
He said the government is committed to creating a more conducive environment for business and investment and the upcoming electoral processes will not disrupt the country’s peace and stability.
The meeting marked Minister Kombo’s first engagement with diplomats since his appointment to the position. It covered key issues including the upcoming elections, a review of Tanzania’s foreign policy, the political landscape and matters related to tax and investment.
“The government assures the diplomatic corps and international community that the upcoming elections will not disrupt the existing peace and stability, economic, social and political climate, but will instead strengthen the business environment in our nation, “said Mr Kombo.
“We are committed to ensuring free, fair, open and inclusive, multiparty and transparent, accountable and credible electoral processes.”
The Minister assured diplomats that, the government has conducted a thorough voter registration campaign aimed at ensuring all eligible citizens, including women, youth and individuals with disabilities are registered and exercise their constitutional rights.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting local and foreign businesses in line with international obligations and existing regulations.
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Regarding foreign policy, the Minister noted that the government has reviewed its 2001 policy to better align with the current socio-economic context, geopolitical landscape and regional integration efforts.
He said the revised policy to 2024 edition will continue to put emphasis on economic diplomacy while safeguarding the nation’s social and cultural values and promoting peace, stability and good governance.
Mr Kombo also discussed some of the additional patient issues in the new edition including use and the importance of Kiswahili in diplomacy, the blue economy agenda, diaspora engagement, environmental issues, gender and youth and the promotion of human rights in line with constitutional values.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to good governance and democracy through President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4Rs, (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding), noting significant reforms in the judicial and legal systems as well as in political participation that has been taken place in the country.
On tax and investment, he acknowledged existing concerns from local and foreign businesses.
He said the newly formed Presidential Commission for Tax Review is tasked with comprehensively reassessing tax policies and administrative issues, with the aim of recommending reforms.
Mr Kombo further expressed the government commitment to continue to strengthen efforts towards advancing bilateral relations as means of realising regional, global, continental and multilateral goals.
On her part, Zanzibari Minister for State, President’s Office, Finance and Planning, Dr Saada Mkuya Salumu, noted that the revised foreign policy will bolster economic diplomacy and strengthen bilateral relations.
