By CEMOT
As Sunday, October 25 approaches, prevention of violence during and after election is becoming a matter of concern for all Tanzanians and election stakeholders. Discussion on the best way of holding peaceful elections in Tanzania have dominated various platforms. CEMOT has contributed to the discussion through its social media dubbed uchaguziwetu2015.
In another development, last week a joint meeting between returning officers, the Nation Electoral Commission and the Police Force took place in Dar es Salaam; during which the maintenance of peace throughout the voting period was the major theme. The NEC Chairperson, Retired Judge Damian Lubuva, addressed the session and called upon all participants to be aware that they had a pivotal role to ensure that peace had to be maintained during and after the general elections.
"Returning officers should not allow individuals or groups of people to camp outside polling stations apparently because they want to protect the votes they had cast. That would be going against election rules and regulations," said Judge Lubuva. He also called upon communication between returning officers and NEC during the voting process so as to ensure the holding of a successful and peaceful election.
The call for peaceful polls is ringing throughout the country as public leaders, singers and actors as well as religious leaders are all singing one song: the song of peace. Religious leaders do have their own forums where they discuss and issue statements that ease tension in the society. Last week, during a press conference which took place in Dar es Salaam, they called upon the National Electoral Commission to assess the quality of instruments and the whole system to be used in the process of voting and counting of votes in order to prevent any suspicious and tensions among voters.
A facilitator, Mr Godwin Mongi, called on youths to stick to their party manifestos and constitutions and avoid being blinded by their political affiliation. "Change comes by correct decisions of electing bold, ethical leaders with proven record of being able to abide to the Constitution in the process of developing the country," said Mr Mongi.
It appears that all presidential aspirants are committed to peace so that once the voting ends on Sunday 25,October, they are all prepared to let the country remain peaceful.
Former secretary of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo Chadema, Dr Willbroad Slaa, who had run for president in the 2010 elections, during an interview with Star Television last week, insisted on the need for peaceful elections and maintenance of peace.
"Tanzania is our mother. If we play around with the peace of this country, we will all be victims. I call upon NEC to stick to the law. We must maintain our peace," said Dr Slaa.
The safeguarding of peace and prevention of electoral corruption are cross cutting initiatives. They require everyone’s involvement. We at CEMOT have prepared a digital platform for enhancing your engagement so that the election shall credible, free and fair. We believe you have information, tips and other clues about what is taking place in your constituency and streets. Kindly share with us on:
www.uchaguziwetu2015.org
Tweeter: uchaguziwetu15
Facebook: uchaguziwetu2015
Instargram: uchaguziwetu2015
Google+: uchaguziwetu2015
Tweeter: uchaguziwetu15
Facebook: uchaguziwetu2015
Instargram: uchaguziwetu2015
Google+: uchaguziwetu2015
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