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As Tanzania edges closer to its general election this October, religious leaders are urging the government and political actors to prioritize dialogue, peace, and electoral reforms.
Their message is clear: the upcoming vote must be a unifying event, not one that divides the nation.
In Easter messages delivered over the weekend, clerics across denominations emphasized that credible, transparent elections are essential for building trust and ensuring leaders are chosen freely by the people. They warned that without urgent action, the country risks undermining its own democracy.
One of the strongest voices was that of Bishop Wolfgang Pisa, the President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC). While preaching during the Easter Vigil at St. Andrew Kaggwa Church in Lindi, Bishop Pisa expressed concern about recent developments, including the arrest of opposition figure Tundu Lissu.
Lissu, a former Member of Parliament and vocal critic of the current administration, was detained on April 9 in Mbinga, Ruvuma Region. He was later charged with treason and transferred to a high-security facility in Dar es Salaam. His arrest has sparked widespread debate, especially given his leading role in the “No Reforms, No Election” campaign—a movement demanding sweeping changes to the country’s electoral laws.
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Bishop Pisa argued that there’s still enough time to make meaningful changes before the election, if leaders act in good faith. He called on the government to engage in open dialogue with political stakeholders and civil society to address systemic flaws that could threaten the credibility of the vote. He also appealed for the release of political detainees, suggesting that such gestures could help rebuild public trust.
“We can’t afford to go into an election where significant voices are silenced or where the process is already seen as unfair,” he said. “Democracy depends on participation—and participation demands fairness.”
Other religious groups echoed similar concerns, noting that the right to vote and to run for office must be protected for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. They emphasized that peace cannot be sustained unless elections are both free and perceived to be fair.
