Political, religious leaders warn against election tensions

Dar es Salaam / Unguja. Union and Zanzibar leaders, alongside senior Islamic clerics, have called for calm and unity ahead of Tanzania’s General Election in October, warning against inflammatory rhetoric that could disrupt the country’s long-standing peace and social cohesion.

The appeals were made on Saturday, June 7, during Eid ul-Adha Baraza celebrations held separately in Dar es Salaam and Unguja.

Speaking at the Mohamed VI Mosque in Dar es Salaam, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa urged Muslim believers and the general public to remain vigilant and scrutinise the messages delivered by political leadership aspirants.

“When presenting campaign messages to the public, ensure they reflect the country’s founding values and do not undermine the peace we have enjoyed for decades,” he said.

Mr Majaliwa warned that statements intended to provoke tension or distract citizens from their livelihoods would not be tolerated and must adhere to national laws.

“If a message contradicts the law, security organs will act swiftly to prevent any threat to public order,” he said.

He emphasised that the pre-election period, during which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is overseeing preparations, was a time for reflection and collective responsibility.

“This is the moment to consider our national history and aspirations. Our children and grandchildren deserve to inherit a peaceful and progressive nation,” he added.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and fair election, urging all stakeholders to support INEC in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

He further commended religious leaders for their continued role in fostering peace and unity across communities, describing them as “pillars of stability” through their teachings.

“The government appreciates its long-standing partnership with religious leaders. We believe you will continue to guide Tanzanians' understanding of their responsibility to preserving peace,” Mr Majaliwa said.

He stressed the importance of interfaith solidarity, noting that religious teachings promote tolerance, mutual respect, and cooperation in national development.

“Clerics are uniquely positioned to mobilise their congregations towards meaningful participation in development and to speak out against moral decay. They are key to reinforcing the values that bind us as one nation,” he added.

Zanzibar’s message

In Zanzibar, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi delivered a similar message while addressing worshippers at the Dr Ali Mohammed Shein Complex in Tunguu, South Unguja Region.

He urged Tanzanians to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections.

“Let us continue praying for peace and stability in our country. A calm political environment is essential for driving community development,” Dr Mwinyi said.

He encouraged Muslims to draw inspiration from the spiritual and social lessons of the Hajj pilgrimage, particularly the virtues of obedience, unity, and ethical conduct, which he described as critical to strengthening national harmony.

The Zanzibar president also announced that the government was working to make the Hajj more accessible to Tanzanian pilgrims, including efforts to establish a Hajj Fund and facilitate direct flights from Zanzibar to Saudi Arabia.

He offered prayers for the safe return of Tanzanian pilgrims currently in Mecca, healing for the sick, and peace for the departed.

Zanzibar’s Eid celebrations were attended by First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman, Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Chief Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi, and other government officials, religious leaders, and citizens from Unguja and Pemba.

Clerics’ appeal

In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s acting Mufti, Sheikh Ally Hamis Ngeruko, called on Tanzanians to elect leaders with sound mental health and emotional maturity.

“Otherwise, we risk handing leadership positions to individuals lacking the composure necessary for national governance. Voters must scrutinise candidates through the lens of their policy articulation and public conduct,” said Sheikh Ngeruko.

He cautioned against choosing candidates who use offensive language, promote ridicule, or practise discrimination, saying such individuals are unfit for leadership.

“Our founding leaders never based leadership on religion, ethnicity, or gender. They focused on competence and policy. Today, we face a serious mental health challenge—just look at social media. It reflects the scale of the problem,” he added.

The Secretary General of the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata), Sheikh Nuhu Mruma, urged all Tanzanians, regardless of faith—to participate fully in the electoral process, both by voting and standing for office.

“We believe the authorities have made the necessary arrangements for citizens to exercise their democratic rights. The next stage involves the collection of nomination forms by aspirants, followed by political party vetting and the official launch of campaigns,” he said.

Sheikh Mruma also called on political parties to nominate candidates of integrity, warning against those driven by a hunger for power at any cost.

“Parties must reject individuals who seek leadership through corrupt means. Such candidates cannot deliver the development Tanzanians deserve,” he said.