Clerics call for free, fair elections as Tanzania gears up for October polls

They urged urgent electoral reforms, inclusive dialogue, and the release of political detainees to safeguard credibility in the upcoming election.

Among the most vocal was the head of the Catholic Diocese of Lindi and President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Bishop Wolfgang Pisa. He called for immediate reforms and the unconditional release of individuals detained for political activism—including opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was arrested on 9 April in Mbinga, Ruvuma Region.

Mr Lissu, a key proponent of the ‘No Reforms, No Election’ campaign, was transferred to Dar es Salaam and subsequently charged with treason.

Preaching during the Easter Vigil at St Andrew Kaggwa Church in Lindi, Bishop Pisa said there was still time to implement reforms if political will existed. He outlined four proposals, including dialogue with stakeholders to correct systemic flaws, cautioning that failure to act would compromise the election’s legitimacy.

“The voices and cries of many must be heard. If there is genuine intent, there is ample time to make necessary corrections,” he said.

He posed a reflective question: “Who is truly disturbing the peace—one who uses force to push through an election, or one calling for dialogue to improve our systems?”

He reiterated that legitimate leadership must stem from the people’s free will and encouraged citizens to vote and, where called, stand for office.

“Only a just election can produce leaders who represent truth and justice,” he said, citing irregularities in the 2019, 2020, and 2024 local polls.

Bishop Pisa also called for reform of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and warned against interference with state institutions, saying democracy collapses when citizens are denied the right to choose freely.

In Morogoro, Bishop Salutaris Libena of the Ifakara Diocese said dialogue, truth and consensus were essential to lasting peace.

“As a nation, we are not at war, but true peace must be anchored in love, truth and agreement,” he said during the National Easter Mass at Saint Andrew the Apostle Cathedral.

In Shinyanga, Bishop Liberatus Sangu echoed similar sentiments, urging Christians to embrace moral leadership and reject corruption and injustice.

“The death and resurrection of Christ is our path to life. Let us honour Easter through acts of love and justice,” he said.

In her Easter message, President Samia Suluhu Hassan stressed national unity, truth and commitment to service.

“I wish all Tanzanians a blessed Easter as Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” she said, encouraging reflection on love, civic duty and the values of peace and stability.

Speaking during Mass at the Church of Blessed Maria Theresa Ledochowska in Dodoma, Vice President Dr Philip Mpango, cautioned youth against violence during election campaigns.

“Let us participate peacefully—violence is not our culture,” he said, while urging electoral officers to ensure fair and lawful conduct.

He also addressed road safety concerns and extended wishes for a peaceful Easter. The Mass was led by Father Dionis Paskal Safari.

Meanwhile, churches across the country used Easter celebrations to promote civic responsibility. Aspiring candidates were prayed for and reminded to embody integrity, compassion, and unity.

At the Azania Front parish in Dar es Salaam, Bishop Alex Malasusa of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) encouraged congregants to vote or run for office honourably.

“If you feel called, come forward to be prayed for so that God may prepare you,” he said, reaffirming the church’s role in promoting peace.

“Let us be ambassadors of peace. And if you have nothing constructive to say, it’s better to remain silent,” he advised.