President Samia highlighted that the upcoming elections in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar provide citizens with a unique opportunity to choose their leaders. These will mark the seventh general elections since the introduction of multiparty politics in 1992.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure fairness in the upcoming General Election, scheduled for October 29 this year.
She also called on all candidates seeking leadership positions to follow proper procedures to maintain peace across the nation. President Hassan instructed the commission to conduct the 2025 General Election with the highest integrity.
The remarks were made on Sunday, August 24, 2025 during the “Peace Ahead of the 2025 General Election” forum, organised by the Union of Tanzanian Imams (Umata) in collaboration with various stakeholders at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam.
President Samia emphasised that all authorities and institutions involved in the electoral process must act fairly, noting that the country’s vision is founded on justice, peace, stability, and prosperity.
“Religious leaders carry a significant responsibility, but in matters of justice, it is the government and the legal system that bear the duty. We must ensure fairness at all levels. Justice fosters blessings, and a society that values fairness enjoys peace and prosperity. On behalf of all Tanzanians, my message to the Electoral Commission is: uphold justice,” she said.
President Samia highlighted that the upcoming elections in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar provide citizens with a unique opportunity to choose their leaders. These will mark the seventh general elections since the introduction of multiparty politics in 1992.
The President noted that Tanzania has since built a democratic culture and stressed the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after elections.
“Election periods often raise political tensions, and in some countries can increase risks to peace. However, our experience shows that such disruptions should not happen here. Unfortunately, some individuals use this period to destabilise the country, both from within and outside,” she said.
President Samia warned that some external actors may attempt to influence leadership changes, while some local individuals are driven by greed and power struggles. “Those who have sought positions and failed may harbour anger, which can threaten peace,” she added.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan
She urged religious leaders to pray for peace and encourage Tanzanians to cultivate gratitude in all matters.
“It is encouraging that most religious and political leaders preach peace and unity. Only a few spread division, and often those are not genuine religious leaders,” she said, adding that the welfare of the nation is more important than any individual leader.
“There is life after elections. My advice during this period is to maintain peace by avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Peace does not mean absence of disagreements, but resolving disputes through peaceful means,” she emphasised, urging citizens to avoid inflammatory language.
President Samia also highlighted the role of journalists in safeguarding peace. “Journalists are crucial in ensuring peace in our country. Their pens are more powerful than guns. Let us prioritise the nation over personal interests,” she said.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Mr Albert Chalamila noted that protecting peace in the city will be the primary responsibility of authorities.
“Our only task is to safeguard peace. We will not favour any political party; anyone who violates the law will be dealt with firmly, in consultation with religious leaders,” he said.
Sheikh of Dar es Salaam Mr Walid Alhad Omar called for unity ahead of the elections and urged leaders to avoid inflammatory statements. “Insults are the weapons of the defeated. If someone resorts to abuse during discussions, continue your work peacefully,” he advised.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Communities and Institutions Sheikh Mussa Kundecha highlighted the importance of moral education among youth and welcomed the introduction of new formal religious curricula.
“This initiative provides a conducive environment to teach young people about faith within an acceptable framework. We pray for its success and trust it will yield even greater results in the future,” he said, calling for prayers for peace across all religious groups to ensure a smooth electoral process.
