VP calls on TCRA to monitor false information heading to the Elections

KILIMANJARO: THE Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, has called on the Police Force to collaborate closely with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and other government institutions to better prepare to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in monitoring various inflammatory information, provided through social media and other media outlets.

The Vice President made the call while opening the five-day Annual General Meeting of Senior Police Officers from August 11 to 15, 2025, led by the slogan “Peace, Tranquility and Security before, during and after the 2025 General Elections is our shared responsibility,” being held inthe  Kilimanjaro Region.

He said that by using artificial intelligence technologies, some people can distribute false photos or videos of political party candidates, which can cause serious harm to the peace and stability of society.

He said the Police Force should be fully prepared to conduct online patrols to identify and analyze posts, photos, and videos that indicate violations of the law, and take legal action promptly.

He said it is important for the Police Force to strengthen close cooperation with all election stakeholders, a step that will help ensure that every stakeholder is treated fairly, and eliminate differences that can cause conflicts.

VP said some of the key areas of cooperation include ensuring that campaign meetings are held in permitted areas and within the scheduled time, and preventing unauthorized demonstrations.

ALSO READ: CCM opts for QR Code to curb disinformation heading to General Elections  

“Enhancing the protection of candidates and leaders of political parties, regardless of their parties or ideologies, as well as controlling large crowds of people to ensure that other social and economic activities continue without disruption,” he said.

Similarly, the Vice President has emphasized that the Police Force should closely cooperate with other election stakeholders, including the PCCB and other security agencies, to control acts of corruption during the election period.

He added that it is important for the Police Force, including the Community Police, to collaborate closely with the Regional State Administration and Local Government Administration (RALG) in managing security, especially at the Ward, Shehia, Village, and Local Government levels.

He also called on the Police Force to properly oversee the implementation of the electoral law and other laws of the country.

“It is the responsibility of the Police Force and other electoral stakeholders to properly understand the Electoral Law and oversee its implementation, to avoid harassing people and disrupting the elections.” He stressed.

He also called on citizens and political party leaders to avoid taking the law into their own hands when they see violations of electoral laws, and instead report them to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.

“In the run-up to the General Elections, it is important to continue to build the capacity of officers and soldiers by providing them with training in readiness, integrity, and effectiveness in the implementation of their duties.

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Daniel Sillo, thanked the Government for providing the Ministry with budget, equipment and modern tools that have helped strengthen and improve the performance of the Police Force and security agencies under the Ministry.

He thanked the Government for providing employment permits and promotions, which help in controlling crime in the country and increasing the morale of officers and soldiers within the Ministry.

He said the Ministry and all security agencies under it will continue to work with cooperation, discipline, professionalism and integrity to ensure that the country continues to be safe, peaceful and stable and a good environment for the development and sustainable economy of the nation.

Earlier, giving a report on the meeting, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura said the Police Force has prepared to ensure that the elections are held in peace and tranquility and urged Tanzanians to be confident and calm throughout the period will pass in a state of high security and stability and the elected Government will come to power without hindrance.

He said the slogan guiding the meeting places emphasis on maintaining peace and stability throughout the electoral process to ensure that citizens participate in peace, freedom and tranquility without any obstacles of any kind.