Your vote, your power, use it wisely on 29th

FELLOW Tanzanians, the countdown is on. October 29th is not just another date on the calendar; it is your appointment with democracy. It is the day you hold the pen that writes Tanzania’s next chapter.

And guess what? That pen is called a ballot. We know, it is tempting to think, “My one vote won’t change anything.” But let us be honest, if everyone thought like that, who would do the changing? Use it. Loudly. Proudly. Peacefully.

Why show up physically to vote? There is unmatched power in physically casting your vote. It shows commitment. It shows courage. It shows that you care about your country enough to stand in line and say, “This is the future I want.” Besides, you can’t really selfie your way into better roads, schools or healthcare. But you can vote for them. Physical voting also boosts transparency and accountability.

You see the process. You participate in it. You own it. And trust us, there is no app for that. Again, be reminded that peace is not an option, it is a duty. We have seen what happens elsewhere when elections divide instead of unite. But Tanzania is different. We are built on the foundation of peace and unity.

That foundation must remain rock-solid before, during and after the elections. Let us preach peace. Post peace. Practice peace. Let us be louder about harmony than hate. Political opponents are not enemies; they are fellow Tanzanians with different opinions. And opinions don’t bleed, people do.

Let us not go there. On the same note, ignore the noise, trust the voice of the government that is by the people, of the people and for the people. In this digital age, every smartphone owner wants to be a journalist, analyst, and prophet.

But let us be clear: The government has one authorised spokesperson. Not so and so from the WhatsApp group. Not Uncle Juma with the dramatic Facebook posts. And certainly not “Anonymous” on TikTok. Rely on verified government channels for election updates. Follow facts, not fiction. Misinformation is the fastest-burning fuel for chaos and don’t add to the fire.

In a nutshell, your social media is not a jungle, kindly register it. To the youth: We see you. You are tech-savvy, vocal and influential. That is power. But with great power comes and you guessed it the government regulation.

Register your social media accounts as required. It is not about control; it is about accountability. In a peaceful society, freedom of expression must come with responsibility.

Don’t let your thumbs cause national tremors. Your country is calling. Will you answer? October 29th is not a public holiday; it is a public responsibility. Dress up, show up and mark that ballot. It takes five minutes to vote, but the impact lasts five years or more.

The future won’t just happen. We must vote it into existence. So, tell a friend. Tag a neighbour. Remind your relatives and clan members. Mobilise your bodaboda guy. This is our Tanzania. Let us shape it together with peace in our hearts and ink on our fingers. The ball is in your court!