Joseph Isangura
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged Tanzanians to uphold peace and unity as the country moves closer to its 2025 general election.
Speaking at the Peace Forum in Dar es Salaam, the Head of State praised the gathering for bringing together religious leaders, political parties, civil society organizations, and development partners to reflect on national stability during this crucial period.
The President reminded participants that peace is the cornerstone of both democracy and sustainable development, stressing that Tanzania’s long-standing reputation as a stable nation must be safeguarded. “Elections are more than political contests; they are a test of our unity as Tanzanians,” she said, adding that citizens should resist divisive politics and focus on building a shared future.
Organized by the Union of Tanzanian Imams (UMATA), the Peace Forum aimed to promote dialogue on how different sectors of society can work together to maintain calm and ensure credible elections. President Samia called on political leaders to conduct respectful campaigns and urged Tanzanian youth to avoid being drawn into conflict. Instead, she encouraged them to play a constructive role in shaping the nation’s future.
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The stakes are particularly high this year. Tanzanians will head to the polls on 29 October 2025 to elect a president and members of parliament. However, the political atmosphere has been tense following the controversial disqualification of the main opposition party, Chadema, after it declined to sign the national electoral code of conduct. The move has sparked criticism from human rights advocates and international observers, who have raised concerns about the state of political freedoms.
Recent reports of activists facing harassment and abductions have further intensified scrutiny on the electoral process. High-profile cases, including the alleged mistreatment of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, have drawn regional and global attention, prompting calls for Tanzanian authorities to guarantee transparency and respect for civil liberties during the election season.
Despite these challenges, President Samia projected optimism, insisting that the government is committed to a free and fair vote. She emphasized that unity, tolerance, and responsible leadership are vital in ensuring that Tanzania remains, in her words, “an island of peace” in the region.
