Your vote, your voice, Tanzanians decides on Wednesday

DAR ES SALAAM: THIS Wednesday, the 29th, our nation writes another proud chapter in its democratic story.

Tanzania that is our beautiful, peaceful and ever-patient home will once again prove to the world that elections here are not a battlefield but a festival of civic duty.

So, dear fellow citizens, make sure you keep your voting card and identification documents whether it is your NIDA card or driving licence ready and in a safe place, so you will not have to scramble to find them when it is time to head to the ballot box that awaits you.

Since independence, Tanzania has built a reputation as a country where democracy is exercised with calm maturity. Ours is a tradition of peace and participation, where the sound of votes being cast is louder than any shout of conflict.

Every general election, millions of Tanzanians from the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam to the serene shores of Lake Tanganyika make their way to polling stations to shape the destiny of their communities and the nation. Now it is your turn to do the same.

On Wednesday, you will have the power to choose the president, members of parliament and ward councillors who will represent your voice, your challenges and your aspirations.

These leaders will be answerable to your development needs-schools that must be built, health centres that must be equipped, roads that must be repaired and opportunities that must be created.

The ink on your finger will be your proof of participation in that process, a small mark that carries immense meaning. Remember, democracy does not run on spectators it thrives on participants.

Staying home means letting others decide your future for you. But walking to that polling station, standing in line and casting your vote means claiming your right to influence the country’s direction.

One vote might seem small, but together they create the thunder that moves mountains. Worried about safety? Do not be. The security organs of the nation are fully prepared to ensure that every polling station remains calm and secure.

ALSO READ: Survey: 83 pc committed to vote on Wednesday’s polls

Peace and order are not optional in Tanzania, they are a proud tradition. The government has guaranteed a 100 per cent secure environment so that you can vote freely, confidently and joyfully.

To the youth, Tanzania’s heartbeat and the majority of its voters: Your energy is needed, but your caution is equally vital. Beware of any person or group trying to provoke unrest or lure you into violence.

That is not in Tanzania’s vocabulary, nor should it ever be. Our democracy is mature, our peace is priceless and anyone who dares to disturb it will face the full force of the law.

So, come Wednesday, let us rise early, cast our ballots and celebrate our unity in diversity. Whether your choice wears green, blue, red, or orange vote with pride, respect and love for your country.

Because at the end of the day, what unites us is not the colour of our political flags, but the green, gold and black of our national one.

Tanzania, let us do what we do best and that is to vote peacefully, proudly and powerfully. Your vote is your voice. Use it.