COAST REGION: THE government has reiterated its commitment to upholding and fairly implementing democratic principles to ensure citizens exercise their constitutional right to freely participate in elections.
Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango expressed the commitment yesterday during the launch of the Uhuru Torch Race at Kibaha Education Centre grounds in the Coast Region.
He said that citizens are free to contest for various leadership positions and elect qualified leaders of their choice in the upcoming 2025 General Election.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the upcoming General Election is conducted democratically, allowing citizens to elect their leaders in peace and tranquility, as emphasised by the country’s constitution and this year’s Uhuru Torch Race,” Dr Mpango said. “We will continue to uphold democratic principles, ensuring that elections are free and fair.”
Dr Mpango said that the 2025 Uhuru Torch Race, with the theme “Participate in the 2025 General Election with Peace and Tranquility,” highlights the importance of citizens to fulfil their constitutional right to choose their leaders, from the ward to the national level, in harmony.
The 195-day Uhuru Torch Race, which began yesterday, will cover all 31 regions and 195 district councils in Tanzania, concluding in Mbeya Region on October 14th, this year.
Rooted in the founders’ dedication to national unity and solidarity, Dr Mpango said this year’s race aims to promote patriotism, peace and prosperity in the country.
On encouraging electoral participation, Dr Mpango urged all eligible citizens to ensure they are registered in the Permanent Voters’ Register (PVR) and to participate in election campaigns for all political parties to assess their policies and determine whom to vote for.
He called on all citizens, especially the youth, to be vigilant and avoid being misled by those who wish harm upon the country. He urged them to refrain from acts of violence and peace disruption.
Dr Mpango stressed the important role of all election stakeholders, particularly political parties, in ensuring a peaceful election by conducting campaigns respectfully and in compliance with election laws and guidelines.
He encouraged them to engage in constructive criticism that fosters unity among citizens during and after the elections.
Detailing on the Uhuru Torch, Dr Mpango said the race will also advocate key issues, including physical fitness and proper nutrition for all citizens, with an emphasis on expectant mothers and children to build a healthy nation.
Moreover, the race aims to support the fight against corruption, HIV, drug abuse and malaria.
Dr Mpango directed Regional Commissioners and District Executive Directors to cooperate with the Uhuru Torch race crew members that consists of six youths led by Mr Ismail Ali Usi by providing necessary information and support.
He reminded that the idea of the Uhuru Torch race was conceived by the youth of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) during their meeting on June 26, 1964. The goal was to foster peace, patriotism, unity and national development.
The torch was first lit at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro on the eve of Independence Day, December 9, 1961, by Alexander Nyirenda under the Mwangaza Operation, at the order of the first President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. The lighting of the torch symbolised freedom, alongside the raising of the national flag.
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Since then, the Uhuru Torch has become an important tool in reminding Tanzanians of their history and motivating them to contribute to national development.
Speaking during the event, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa expressed confidence that the crew would effectively carry out their tasks to ensure the success of the torch relay.
He also urged the crew members to perform their duties diligently, commending them for their appointment.
On his part, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete said that the torch will pass through 195 districts.
He said that the race has been a catalyst for national development, inspiring citizens to initiate, organise and implement projects that benefit their communities and the country’s economy.
Minister of State in the Second Vice – President’s Office (Policy, Coordination and House of Representatives), Mr Hamza Hassan Juma, added that the torch is a national treasure left by the nation’s founders, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume.
He noted that the torch was meant to unite all Tanzanians, regardless of political ideologies, ethnicity, religion, or race, to promote patriotism and encourage active participation in national development.
For his part, Coast Regional Commissioner Mr Abubakar Kunenge said that 64 projects worth 1.2tri/- will be launched during the race in Coast Region.
He also said that over the past four years, the region has received 1.35tri/-, which has been used for implementing various development projects in sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture and water.
In the Coast Region, the Uhuru Torch will tour all nine councils, including Kibaha Town, Kibaha District, Kisarawe, Rufiji, Bagamoyo, Mafia and Chalinze.
