Joseph Isangura
The Registrar of Political Parties, Judge Francis Mutungi, urged Tanzanian political parties to embrace the rule of law and uphold peace as the nation prepares for its upcoming elections.
Speaking at the opening of a training workshop on the recent amendments to the Political Parties Act and the Elections Expenses Act, Judge Mutungi emphasized the responsibility of political parties to ensure a peaceful and fair election process.
“Politics should never be a platform for violence or division,” Judge Mutungi stated, reflecting on the worrying rhetoric that has been spreading in the country. He warned against the kind of inflammatory language that suggests the country could fall into chaos or bloodshed. “It is concerning when people casually say that the nation will be torn apart. We must avoid such discussions and focus on building unity,” he added.
Mutungi stressed that political parties, especially as they approach the 2025 general elections, have a critical role in fostering national harmony. “As leaders, we are the ones who set the tone. It is time for us to restore a positive image in the eyes of our communities,” he said. He called on all political parties to prioritize the well-being of the country over partisan interests.
With elections scheduled for later this year, Judge Mutungi called on political parties to respect the legal framework, adhere to the rule of law, and prepare responsibly for the voting process. He reminded political leaders that “peace is our collective responsibility,” urging them to remember that life continues beyond the elections and to resist allowing political campaigns to divide the nation. “We must not allow elections to tear us apart. We are all Tanzanians,” Mutungi added.
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Furthermore, he urged political parties to be vigilant about upholding democracy and avoiding unnecessary conflicts. He highlighted the importance of steering clear of misinformation, which could lead to violence and increase tensions within the society. Mutungi also stressed that party leaders must adhere strictly to the constitution of Tanzania, ensuring that every election-related activity aligns with the country’s legal standards.
The training sessions, Judge Mutungi stated, were just the beginning of a broader initiative aimed at preparing political parties for a fair, inclusive, and peaceful election. He mentioned that the next step would be a meeting of the Political Parties Council, where further discussions would take place on the challenges and preparations leading up to the 2025 elections.
Echoing Mutungi’s sentiments, Hawa Ghasia, a member of the ruling party’s National Executive Committee, emphasized the importance of such training. She noted that these discussions were crucial in ensuring that all political parties were well-prepared for the election season and understood their responsibilities in safeguarding Tanzania’s democratic process.
