Inspector general of police Ernest Mangu at a past event in Dar es Salaam.
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He added that the police force are fully armed and prepared to take action against any parties that upset the general peace during this period.
Dar es Salaam. Inspector general of police (IGP), Ernest Mangu warned young voters that force will be used against any crowds around polling stations in Election Day.
He added that the police force are fully armed and prepared to take action against any parties that upset the general peace during this period.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the closed door meeting between the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Regional and District Commissioners as well as District Executive Directors (DED) who dub as returning officers.
Regional police commanders from across the country were also present at the meeting that discussed ways of ensuring that the voting and results announcement stages are exercised smoothly across the country.
NEC Chairman Judge (rtd) Damian Lubuva said peace was a pre-condition for an open and transparent election.
He cited that one of the main challenges that have been observed in past elections is the gathering of supporters of different political parties outside the polling stations and they have been intimidating voters, especially women, not to go and cast their ballots.
“They say that they are guarding their votes, but according to the law every party/candidate is appointing their agents in every polling station to oversee the whole process and protect their interests and they should trust them,” he said.
The coalition of four main opposition parties Ukawa has maintained that they will mobilise their youth to guard their votes in the polling stations, and they maintain the 200-metre distance requirement specified in the law.
