President Samia assures diplomats of free, fair and credible elections

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has assured envoys and representatives of international organisations that Tanzania will hold free, fair and credible elections.

This year, Tanzania is expected to hold civic polls to elect street, hamlet and village leaders, while the elections for Councillors, Members of Parliament (MPs) and the President are slated for next year.

Speaking during the diplomatic sherry party held at the State House in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, the Head of State said the country was determined to realise fundamental human rights through participation in public affairs and upholding democracy during the upcoming civic polls.

"We will ensure that democratic space is open for all, adherence to the rule of law and good governance will be maintained at all times of elections,” she said.

"I formed an independent task force to review and advise on the necessary reforms in the entire democratic process in the country,” he said.

She said increasing transparency in the electoral processes and reforming the appointment mechanism of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) leaders were among the key task force recommendations.

President Hassan said most recommendations made by the taskforce were accepted by the government and different stakeholders.

“They include items considered controversial. Stakeholders differed directly or indirectly on issues that contravened the country’s Constitution,” she said.

Furthermore, she said this year, the government will voice its concern, provide solutions, and actively participate in efforts aimed at resolving common challenges facing humanity.

“This will be done while maintaining peace and stability, good neighbourliness, adherence to principles of human rights, non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries, upholding human rights, including the right to develop and promote regionalism and multilateralism,” she explained.

During the event, the minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr January Makamba, assured members of the diplomatic corps that the government was committed to enhancing existing bilateral ties and partnerships with other countries and international organisations.

"We have continued to strengthen our relations for mutual benefit. Today’s meeting couldn’t have taken place in the absence of close cooperation between the two sides,” he said.

The sherry party was attended by 45 ambassadors and high commissioners, 19 heads of international organisations, 12 chargés d'affaires representing ambassadors and high commissioners and seven honorary counsels.

"We remain committed to supporting the diplomatic community and providing necessary support and assistance in ensuring that they can effectively carry out their duties,” he said.

“This will increase the country’s prosperity and your good intentions will always find an echo in the farthest reaches of the world,” he added.

Next year, Mr Makamba revealed that the Tanzanian government has agreed with some countries to open five new embassies in the country.

For his part, the Dean of the Tanzania Diplomatic Corp, Comoros Ambassador, Dr Ahamada El Badaoui Mohamed, commended the cooperation among the members.

He said that since 2018, his office has been closely monitoring activities undertaken by envoys in the country.

"This has greatly helped in the exchange of information among envoys and representatives of international organisations in the country,” he said.