Tanzanians urged to observe diligence during the General Elections

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Commissioner for Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), Mr Nyanda Shuli, has underscored the importance of Tanzanian citizens to be given education on corruption and its consequences so as to allow them use their right to elect good leaders during the General Elections.

The commissioner made the statement during a one-day Collaborative, Citizen-Centric Anti-Corruption Initiative with stakeholders organized by Jamii Africa formerly known as Jamii Forums in Dar es Salaam today, July 4, 2025.

Giving his opening remarks, Mr Shuli said that even though there are strict laws against corruption, including various institutions monitoring it, it is still vital for citizens to understand the dangers of corruption in the country, especially when it comes to choosing their leaders.

“We are here today to discuss how to use the knowledge we have as stakeholders to educate Tanzanian citizens so that they too can understand the dangers of corruption and, if possible, reject it because otherwise, they may end up lacking proper representatives who will serve them well,” he said.

He added, “The Tanzanian citizens have to know that the decisions they make in this year’s general election is a decisions whose consequences they will live with for the next five years. Therefore, we need them to understand that electing a leader who is honest, visionary, and capable of leading and uniting people will help them much more over the next five years than the small bribe they might receive that only benefits them for a couple of days.”

Additionally, the Commissioner noted that what has prompted them to collaborate with stakeholders, share ideas and build each other’s capacity using various approaches is to ensure that human rights education is being spread while at the same time strengthening the collective force in defending those rights.

“My hope is that after these discussions, we will gain sufficient ideas and understanding that will enable and help us reach citizens in every corner during the remaining period before the general election. This way, citizens can exercise their right to choose upright leaders, while at the same time distancing themselves from candidates who seek to gain influence through improper means such as corruption,” he said.

Moreover, Mr Shuli said for the CHRAGG to participate in the discussion is a duty assigned by the law where they are obliged to work with stakeholders, since the issues of human rights and good governance are broader matters, making it impossible for a single institution to address them alone.

In retrospect, Ziada Seukindo, who is the Programs Manager at Jamii Africa, said the main goal of organizing the meeting was to give stakeholders a wider range to explore and see how citizens can be engaged in the fight against corruption, especially in this election period for a better country.

“We are eager to see that the Tanzanian citizens understand the impact of corruption in our society and develop the mindset to question someone who comes forward offering bribes and be able to ask, ‘Why is this person beginning with corruption? Does he or she have good intentions or not?. We are aiming at this,” she stated.

Additionally, she stated that Jamii Africa has been working on anti-corruption efforts in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government actors, civil society organizations, and private institutions.

“This is a major part of our strategic plan for the period from 2025 to 2030. We carry out this work in partnership with others because we know we cannot succeed on our own. Our main goal is to place the citizen at the center of the fight against corruption, that is, to empower citizens to understand their role in combating corruption, rather than waiting for authorities or the law to act on their behalf. They need to personally understand the impact that corruption has on them,” she said.

Tanzania expects to conduct its General Election in October this year, where till now, various leaders have already taken and returned their forms to contest for various positions, including Councilors and Members of Parliament.

The 2025 General Election is expected to be one of the most significant in Tanzania’s history, with various national and international institutions preparing to play their part in ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the electoral process.

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The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has reaffirmed its commitment to actively participate as an observer in the upcoming General Election scheduled for October this year.

The Commission aims to ensure the election is free, fair, and credible, in line with fundamental human rights principles.