Clergymen call for national prayers ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 General Election

Dar es Salaam/Upcountry. Religious leaders from various denominations have called on the public to pray for peace and unity ahead of Tanzania's 2025 General Election.

The upcoming elections, set for October 2025, will include the election of councillors, legislators, and the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Voters in Zanzibar will also cast ballots to elect the Isles President, members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, and local representatives at the grassroots level.

The clergymen made their appeals during Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass services delivered on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

At the Azania Front, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Bishop Alex Malasusa appealed to poll administrators, voters, and leaders to uphold the nation’s peace before and after the 2025 elections.

He stressed the importance of addressing signs of unrest witnessed in the 2024 local government elections.

"This year’s local government elections showed signs of peace being threatened. We must work to prevent these issues from affecting the upcoming General Election," said Bishop Malasusa.

"We should pray for the country’s peace because Jesus is the King of Peace," he added.

Bishop Malasusa also emphasised the power of dialogue in resolving differences, encouraging Tanzanians to pray for the nation, believing that prayer, guided by the Holy Spirit, could help overcome these challenges.

Reflecting on 2024, Bishop Malasusa described it as a year of fear, citing concerns over abductions and other security issues.

He urged the public to pray that such fears would not continue into the New Year, invoking the protection of Jesus Christ against violence and suffering.

"The word 'abduction' creates fear. We pray that 2024, the year of fear, does not repeat itself and that the news of abductions disappears in the name of Jesus," he said, adding that God should deal with those who abduct and torture others.

The bishop also expressed concern about the decline in youth participation in church activities, urging the public to encourage younger generations to attend services and keep places of worship vibrant.

"Christmas is not just about gifts and greetings; it’s about transforming our lives and becoming better people," he added.

In the Dar es Salaam Archdiocese, Fr Denis Regwira of Saint Joseph Cathedral extended the call for peace to the international community, asking Tanzanians to pray for countries in conflict.

He called for the elimination of hatred and fear, praying for Tanzania's protection and the strengthening of family bonds.

“May God protect our country and strengthen our families as bridges of grace. The birth of Jesus reminds us that God values and restores the dignity of humanity, even after we fall into sin,” he said.

Fr Exavia Mpambichile of the Anglican Church in the Kibaha Diocese also highlighted the importance of peace, urging the congregation to pray for the 2025 General Election. He emphasized that without peace, there can be no harmony or development.

"Let us pray for peace—starting from the family, the community, the church, the nation, and the world at large. Without peace, there is no progress,” said Fr Mpambichile.

In Kayanga Parish, Karagwe Diocese, Bishop Benson Bagonza of the ELCT said during the Christmas Eve service that Jesus Christ was sufficient.

He reminded his congregation that salvation and deliverance come solely from Jesus, and criticised the common practice of seeking sacred objects such as anointing oil or salt for spiritual salvation.

"People have always sought objects like oil, water, and garments, just as the children of Israel did, but they could not find salvation until the Birth of Jesus, who came to save His people from their sins," said Bishop Bagonza.

In Arusha, Bishop Godson Mollel of the ELCT Northern Diocese shifted the focus to practical matters, urging parents to prepare for their children's return to school on January 13.

He reminded families of prioritising school fees and ensuring they have the resources needed for the new school term, before spending on celebrations.

"Let us enjoy our celebrations but remember that January 13 is approaching. Before spending on festivities, make sure you set aside money for school fees and any remaining balances," said Bishop Mollel.

Meanwhile, in Mirerani, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Assistant Priest Krisantus Assenga of Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish called on the youth to recognise their potential and use their energy for self-improvement.

Reported by: Salome Gregory, Rosemary Mirondo, and Hellen Nachilongo (Dar); Sanjito Msafiri (Kibaha); Ananias Khalula (Karagwe); Janeth Mushi (Arusha); Joseph Lyimo (Manyara)