Vice President Calls for Action on Election Corruption

Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango has urged anti-corruption officials to step up and tackle corruption in the upcoming elections, stressing that fair and transparent leadership is crucial as Tanzania prepares for its general election next year.

Speaking at the annual gathering of anti-corruption leaders in Arusha on Monday, Dr Mpango underscored the importance of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in ensuring elections remain free from unethical practices. He delivered the message on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, highlighting how corruption in elections could derail Tanzania’s progress and development goals.

“With elections coming up, the focus must be on preventing corruption and ensuring fairness. Corruption compromises democracy and holds back development,” he said.

Dr Mpango pointed out that leaders who win through dishonest means often fail to prioritize citizens’ needs. Instead, they become unaccountable and are unable to manage projects effectively. “Leaders elected through corruption will not fight corruption. They can’t, because that’s what put them in power,” he explained, adding that such leadership neglects the public and wastes resources meant for development.

He called on PCCB staff to develop strong systems to stop election manipulation, saying trust in the country’s democracy is at stake. “It’s time to prepare and face corruption head-on. The integrity of next year’s elections depends on you,” he said.

Dr Mpango also emphasized the importance of personal integrity for those working in the anti-corruption bureau. He urged them to lead by example, as their honesty is key to earning public trust and support in the fight against corruption.

The event brought together leaders and experts in the anti-corruption space to share ideas on how to curb unethical practices.

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Discussions centered on prevention strategies, raising awareness, and improving enforcement to ensure next year’s elections are fair and credible.

His comments come as concerns about election malpractice have grown both in Tanzania and the broader region. Anti-corruption agencies, like the PCCB, are under increasing pressure to deliver meaningful results in the fight against fraud and dishonesty in public office.

Many observers praised Dr Mpango’s speech, saying it reaffirmed the government’s dedication to clean elections and stronger governance. His message aligns with the country’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving accountability and building trust in public institutions.

With the election date drawing nearer, various stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society groups, are expected to collaborate more closely to ensure a fair process. The Vice-President’s remarks serve as both a warning and a call to action: corruption must not determine the outcome of the elections. Institutions like the PCCB now face the challenge of turning those words into results, safeguarding democracy and ensuring leadership truly reflects the people’s voice.