MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, has called on political leaders, civil society, and activists to focus on national unity and lawful debate rather than revisiting disputed events from the October 29, 2025 general election outside established legal channels.
Dr Nchimbi spoke on February 2, 2026, during the national Law Day celebrations in Dodoma, where he represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan. His remarks came as tensions over the election continue to simmer, and in a context where some groups have publicly challenged the process and outcome of the vote.
Addressing judges, magistrates, lawyers, and civic representatives, Dr Nchimbi emphasized that sustained public debate on election irregularities must be grounded within the legal framework of the country rather than through repeated political commentary that could reopen old wounds and deepen divisions. He stressed that pursuing justice and accountability through courts and formal institutions is essential for preserving social cohesion.
“For the sake of our nation’s stability and long‑term interests, we should resolve disputed matters in ways provided for by law,” he said, urging actors on all sides of the political spectrum to refrain from emotionally charged rhetoric that could distract from the rule of law.
Dr Nchimbi’s remarks echoed those of Boniface Mwabukusi, President of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), who also called for restraint in public commentaries that dwell on controversial episodes from before, during, and after the 2025 polls. Mwabukusi warned that continually reviving painful political episodes could negatively affect public morale and hamper efforts to forge national unity.
While underscoring respect for judicial independence, Dr Nchimbi cautioned against its misuse as a cover for negligence or partiality, reiterating that judges and magistrates must uphold justice professionally and with integrity. Such conduct strengthens public confidence in the judiciary, which he described as a vital pillar of Tanzania’s democratic system.
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The Vice President’s call comes amid ongoing debates and disputes over the conduct and credibility of the 2025 polls. Critics, including some opposition parties and observers, have described the election as flawed and lacking in competitive fairness — claims that were amplified by the exclusion of some major opposition figures from the ballot and reported protest actions in several urban areas.
International voices and rights groups added to post‑election scrutiny, with some calling for investigations into reports of unrest and constraints on civic freedoms during the electoral period. These dynamics have heightened the urgency of measured public discourse and adherence to legal processes.
Observers say the Law Day gathering — an annual event dedicated to reflecting on justice, legal norms, and the country’s legal institutions — provided an opportune moment for national leaders to reinforce the importance of law, peaceful engagement, and responsible leadership as Tanzania strives to move forward.
